Details continue to emerge about the deadly Santa Ana crash which killed four people and sent two others to the hospital Saturday night.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, it is believed that the vehicle was travelling at a high rate of speed westbound on Sergerstrom Avenue when it collided against a tree. At this time, we can confirm that four people have been pronounced deceased, two are at the hospital, one of which is in critical condition and one of which is in stable condition,” said Natalie Garcia, a spokesperson for the Santa Ana Police Department, in a recorded statement.
The SAPD initially reported five people were dead, but later clarified two of the six were in the hospital.
Photos of the scene show the car split almost completely in half around the green. Much of the vehicle’s exterior appears to have been torn off, and the chassis is visible everywhere except at the rear.
KTLA reported Sunday the driver of the car was an 18-year-old male, two sets of sisters were involved, and all six people inside the vehicle were connected through Santa Ana’s Valley High School.
According to SAPD, four of the five victims were current high school students, while the remaining one is 20 years old.
Officers with the SAPD are investigating whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.
The identities of the victims have not been released. “At this time we ask that the public please stay away from the area, as the investigation is still ongoing,” Garcia said.