A 32-year-old man was killed and six other people were rushed to a hospital as the result of a crash involving at least four vehicles and two additional parked vehicles in Reseda, and one of the drivers is facing murder charges Monday.
Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched at 11:18 a.m. Sunday to the scene at 18153 W. Vanowen St., just east of Etiwanda Avenue, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported. The crash also left a fire hydrant sheared, which was shut down by firefighters.
"Upon arrival, firefighters found that one trapped patient was deceased (left in place for law enforcement investigation and medical examiner), and two others were in need of extrication. Crews used hydraulic rescue tools to free both trapped patients from one vehicle," an LAFD statement said.
Eleven people were evaluated at the scene and six were rushed to a hospital, authorities said. Four declined transport to a hospital.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified the fatally injured man as Francisco Velasco-Marcos, 32, of Reseda.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the fatally injured man had been at the wheel of a yellow Chevrolet Camaro that police said was moving at a high rate of speed alongside a white Dodge Charger eastbound on Vanowen approaching Chimineas Avenue.
"The Dodge changed lanes and collided with the Chevrolet, causing both vehicles to lose control and collide with multiple vehicles," according to an LAPD statement.
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The driver of the Dodge, 21-year-old Reseda resident Nicolas Velasco Marcos, was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries before he was booked at the Van Nuys Jail for suspicion of murder with bail set at $2 million.
"Driving in a reckless manner is against the law and it carries serious consequences," police warned. "When you drive recklessly, you are not only putting your own life in danger, but that of other innocent people."
Anyone with information was asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Otrosina at 818-644-8036, Officer Sison at 818-644-8022 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
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