A wrong-way driver was killed when he drove an SUV into oncoming traffic, initiating a four-vehicle crash that injured several others in Long Beach, authorities said today.
The crash happened a few minutes after 7 p.m. Thursday on Pacific Coast Highway near Junipero Avenue where the driver was going westbound in eastbound lanes, police said.
His Lexus NX250 crashed into a Dodge Challenger and then hit a Toyota RAV4 and a Jeep Compass before coming to rest on its side, police said.
The 56-year-old driver of the Lexus died at the scene, police said. Authorities haven’t publicly released his name.
Fire officials said six other people were injured in the crash—including one who had to be freed from the wreckage with the Jaws of Life—but none of their injuries were life-threatening.
It’s not clear why the Lexus driver was going the wrong way on PCH, but police said they don’t believe speed, drugs or alcohol were factors.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information from police. City News Service contributed to this report.
What to expect at Saturday’s gun buyback event at MacArthur Park