6 killed, 9 injured in fiery crash as car runs light, slams into cross traffic in Windsor Hills

WINDSOR HILLS, Calif. (KABC) — Six people were killed and nine others were injured in a violent, fiery crash involving multiple vehicles Thursday in Windsor Hills, officials say.

The crash was caused by a Mercedes coupe that was speeding south on La Brea Avenue and ran a red light, slamming into several cars at Slauson Avenue around 1:30 p.m., according to the CHP.

Surveillance video from a nearby business shows cross traffic on Slauson moving west through the intersection as the Mercedes speeds into the frame at full velocity, with no indication it slowed down at all before slamming into multiple vehicles. Flames immediately break out as the mangled vehicles are still skidding through the intersection, coming to a halt in front of a gas station.

At least six vehicles were involved in the crash and three of them burst into flames after the impact.

Amid the chaotic nature of the incident, the tally on casualties and injuries changed several times throughout the day. At a press conference later Thursday evening, officials said they found an additional body in the wreckage, bringing the death count to six.

Officials say a pregnant woman, an infant and three other adults were killed in the crash and subsequent fire.

Investigators also said the driver of the Mercedes, described as a woman around 40 years old, survived the crash and was described as being in fair-to-moderate condition at the hospital. Officers were interviewing her.

A CHP spokesman said the agency expects to present multiple criminal charges for the crash to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Witnesses described hearing an incredibly loud noise, followed by fire and sparking electricity. Thick plumes of smoke drifted into the sky for several minutes before firefighters arrived.

“It looked like the whole intersection from corner to corner was on fire,” said witness Harper Washington. “A lot of sparks and electricity. I was under the impression that, really at first I thought they dropped a bomb on us. I thought another world war had started. Then I realized it was a car into the sign.”

“Once the fire went away and the booming left, I realized it was two cars there. You could see the people on fire and that’s just sad. I really pray for the people and the community.”

The incident happened in Windsor Hills, an unincorporated community just south of LA’s Crenshaw district. CHP is handling the investigation with assistance from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The ages and names of the victims were not immediately available.