A 15-year-old boy who was allegedly driving a stolen vehicle when it crashed and burst into flames on a Long Beach freeway Monday night has died.
The California Highway Patrol said the teen, whose identity was not released, was driving a 2020 Kia north on the 710 Freeway near Anaheim Street and tried to pass a Freightliner semi truck around 10:30 p.m., according to a release.
CHP investigators believe the teen was trying to exit the freeway, but instead, the vehicle ended up directly in front of the Freightliner, which “crashed into the right side of the stolen Kia.”
The Kia then burst into flames. Key News Network footage showed first responders pulling the occupants from the burning vehicle.
The teen suffered major injuries and was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he was declared dead, officials said. His three passengers, another boy, 14, and two girls, ages 13 and 15, suffered moderate injuries and were taken to local trauma centers.
CHP initially said the Long Beach Police Department was pursuing the Kia. However, LBPD later said they were only “tracking” the vehicle by helicopter and did not have officers chasing on the ground.
“This tragic event highlights a nationwide trend in which juveniles are stealing vehicles and driving recklessly,” Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish said in a statement. “While the driver of the vehicle ultimately succumbed to his injuries, I must commend the officers for their heroic actions. I am extremely proud of their courage and willingness to run toward this dangerous situation in order to rescue the occupants.”
It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were factors in the crash, authorities said.
Officials did not say if the 22-year-old man from Paramount who was driving the 2024 Freightliner was injured.
The collision forced a partial closure of the 710 Freeway for several hours.
Anyone with information is asked to call the CHP at 424-551-4000 or 323-259-3200.