Street racing is blamed for Van Nuys accident that killed an innocent man and seriously injured a friend

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — It was supposed to be a short drive along Sherman Way, with two longtime friends leaving the church to grab some dinner.

Instead, the two 22-year-olds, who were known for their commitment to their church and community, were victims of a fiery accident involving suspected street racers.

One friend was killed and the other was hospitalized with multiple broken bones. Hoping to aid his recovery, his family has still not informed the surviving victim that his friend died from his injuries.

The crash occurred on Friday evening. According to police, two vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz and a Rolls Royce, appeared to be speeding down Sherman Way when they crashed into the Honda as it pulled into the restaurant's parking lot.

Rangel Vega and Alejandro Luquin, who were in the Honda, were hospitalized in critical condition and Vega died in the hospital a day later.

The Mercedes driver was arrested for reckless driving and police are still searching for the Rolls driver who fled on foot.

“The community is crying over this loss,” said John Miranda, pastor of La Iglesia en el Camino.

Vega and Luquin, friends since middle school, had just left the church where they had led a youth service for middle school students.

Luquin underwent multiple surgeries and remains hospitalized with multiple broken bones.

“He broke both legs, his arm and his jaw,” said his sister Mayra Luquin. “He is still in a lot of pain. His recovery will be long and hard for him.”

More heartbreak lies ahead as the truth about his friend doesn't come out.

“It’s hard,” Mayra said. “He keeps asking about him. How is he, how is he? It is difficult. We can’t tell him he died yet.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the victims and their families.