Authorities are searching for a hit-and-run driver involved in a street race and fiery crash that left two people dead in Palmdale early Wednesday morning.
The two-vehicle crash occurred about 12:30 a.m. on Rancho Vista Boulevard near 11th Street West next to the Antelope Valley Mall.
A Dodge Challenger and a Toyota Corolla were traveling westbound on Rancho Vista when the Dodge hit the Toyota from behind, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Anderson said.
Investigators believe the Dodge was involved in some type of street race before it crashed into the Toyota.
The Toyota, which authorities said was not involved in any type of illegal race, spun out as a result of the collision and hit a nearby light pole. A male driving the Toyota was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.
Video from the scene showed the vehicle fully engulfed in flames.
The driver and a female passenger who was in the Toyota were both declared dead at the scene. Their identities have not been released.
The driver of the Dodge appeared to have left the area following the crash, prompting a hit-and-run investigation, Anderson said.
Authorities said the area is a known site for street racing and several incidents have been reported in the past few months.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station at 661-272-2400.