Overview
- A single-vehicle crash just after 1:30 a.m. on Friday sent a 2016 Hyundai Veloster off Highway 2 near Flume Canyon Drive, where it struck a pole and rolled down an embankment.
- First responders found five occupants ejected from the car and one who had been belted but removed the restraint; four people were declared dead at the scene and two were flown to a trauma center in critical condition.
- Rescue teams used two air ambulances and about 40 feet of cable to reach scattered victims in steep, remote terrain, making the extrication technically difficult.
- Authorities say the compact hatchback was carrying six people, most were unrestrained, and the CHP has identified alcohol as a possible contributing factor while the investigation and toxicology work continue.
- All six occupants are reported to be from Wrightwood, a small mountain town, and officials have not released names as families are being notified and investigators complete scene work.