DUI factor when two killed in early morning freeway crash
Two young women, both in their early 20s, were killed and three others were hurt when a car headed northbound on the Pasadena 110 Freeway veered out of the lanes and crashed through a chain-link fence into a tree near the Avenue 52 exit.
The crash occurred around 1:30 a.m., and officials are reporting the conditions were clear and no other car appears to have been involved, but that the driver was driving under the influence.
The driver and four passengers all had to be extricated out of the vehicle. The driver was arrested, and both her and the two other survivors were seriously injured.
“Officers did relay that it was a vehicle into a fence. However, the reason for that is undetermined at this time,” said CHP Officer Alex Rubio.
Freeway may be contributing factor in DUI crash that killed two
Rubio said the collision remains under investigation but family and friends of the two women believe the 110 freeway itself was a contributing factor. The freeway is considered one of the most dangerous in Los Angeles due to its curviness, as well as short on and off-ramps, leaving very little time and space for merging cars.
Both Anagraciela “Ana” Cuadra, 22, and Blanca Belman Almanza, 23, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Cuadra’s mother, Marlena Cuadra, said the two deceased were “best friends.”
The group was out reportedly out celebrating Cuadra’s upcoming 23rd birthday.
The woman’s mother said, “I understand that God gave me her. He took her away. He knows why… He will give me the strength.”
Woman killed in DUI freeway crash leaves two children behind
Cuadra had reportedly just started a job as a dental hygienist. She leaves behind two children, a 6-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.
Cuadra’s mother also said her daughter was scared of the 110.
“She didn’t want to use the 110,” said Cuadra, “And now I know why.”
Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC
