A woman in her 40s accused of speeding more than 100 mph through a red light in Windsor Hills and plowing into a crowded intersection, killing six people and injuring another eight, has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, authorities said on Friday, Aug. 5, a day after the fiery, chain-reaction collision.
Her name had not been released.
Authorities so far have not disclosed whether they believe drugs, alcohol or texting factored into the crash.
Meanwhile, a memorial of balloons and flowers grew on Friday, Aug. 5, at the scene where a day before the tragedy occurred.
A stuffed animal sits among flowers and candles left in memory of an infant, an unborn fetus and others killed in a fiery crash at Slauson and La Brea avenues. (Eric Licas, Orange County Register / SCNG)
Investigators continued working to learn why the Mercedes-Benz driver, just after 1:30 p.m., sped through La Brea and Slauson avenues showing no signs of attempting to stop for the red light.
The coroner’s office on Friday identified one victim as Asherey Ryan, 23, of Los Angeles.
Surveillance video shows the Mercedes driver speeding through the 35-mph zone on La Brea faster, authorities estimated, than 100 mph and broad-siding a vehicle.
A Mercedes-Benz driver, just after 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, sped into a crowded intersection at La Brea and Slauson avenues showing no signs of attempting to stop for a red light. (Photo by RMG NEWS)
The crash ignited an inferno as the sedan struck by the Mercedes was pushed into other vehicles. A trail of fire was left burning in the intersection as the vehicles were engulfed in flames.
As many as six vehicles were involved, with the heavily damaged Mercedes ending up near a bench down the street.
Five adults, one infant and one fetus were killed. Eight others were injured.
The Mercedes driver was being treated at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for major injuries, the California Highway Patrol said. According to NBC4, she is a travel nurse.
Community activists gathered at the intersection on Friday.
“This is a catastrophic situation that has taken place in our community,” activist Eddie Jones told reporters. “I cried all night, because someone innocent who did not deserve to lose their life, lost their life.”
The intersection of La Brea and Slauson avenues reopened around 3:30 a.m. Friday.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.