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Motorist Whose Solo Crash Caused 2 Electrocution Deaths Could Be Charged With Reckless Driving
Photo from the crash scene via LAFD/Flickr
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The motorist whose solo vehicle crash into a hydrant and a light pole in Valley Village led to the electrocution deaths of two Good Samaritans could face reckless driving charges.According to City News Service, Sgt. William Kelly, a watch commander at the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division said Friday:
"It's my understanding that detectives presented a case for charging him with reckless driving to prosecutors on Thursday and were investigating possible speed racing allegations as well."
The driver, whose name has not been released, lost control of his 2012 SUV in the 12000 block of Magnolia Boulevard at around 8:30 Wednesday night. He sheared a hydrant and took out an older light standard, which resulted in gushing, pooling water, and exposed wires. A neighbor rushing to offer aid was electrocuted in the water, as was a woman who had been driving by with her husband who stopped to help as well.
Six other people were injured, including a LAPD officer.
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Sgt. Art Gomez of the LAPD says drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash.
At a press conference held Thursday evening at the crash site, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spoke of the danger of putting yourself at the scene of an accident when safety is questionable. City Councilmember Paul Krekorian spoke of the dangers of speeding on city streets, remarking: "[W]e just need to, as a society, we just have to say enough is enough. And these drivers who put lives at risk throughout the San Fernando Valley have to slow down.''
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