2 dead in violent collision with utility pole in Riverside – Press Enterprise

Two teenagers were killed and one was seriously injured in a violent crash into a utility pole in Riverside early Saturday morning, Nov. 2, police said.

The accident occurred about 5:40 a.m. at the intersection of Wood Road and Van Buren Boulevard in the Orangecrest neighborhood after a silver Lexus traveling at a high rate of speed ran a red light and struck a blue Scion, Riverside police spokesman Ryan Railsback said .

“When (officers) arrived, one vehicle was completely engulfed in flames,” he said.

The driver of the Lexus, a 17-year-old boy, and a passenger, an 18-year-old girl, were found dead in the car, Railsback said. Another passenger was transported to a hospital in serious condition.

He said the driver of the Scion was uninjured and remained at the scene.

After the collision, the Lexus continued north where it struck a concrete pole and a wooden utility pole and eventually caught fire.

Railsback said evidence at the scene suggested alcohol or drugs may have played a role in the collision. He didn't elaborate.

The identities of the two deceased have not been released pending notification of family.