WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. — A late-night crash along the scenic mountain stretch of Highway 2 has left four people dead and two others critically injured after an overpacked compact car veered off the roadway and slammed into a utility pole.
The deadly collision happened around 1:30 a.m. Friday near Flume Canyon Drive, according to authorities.
The vehicle involved was a Hyundai Veloster, a compact hatchback designed to carry five people. Investigators said six people were inside the car when it crashed, adding to the devastating circumstances surrounding the collision.
The force of the impact left the Hyundai badly damaged and caused several passengers to be thrown from the vehicle. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as the extent of the tragedy became clear.
Six People Were Inside the Five-Seat Hyundai
According to authorities, the Hyundai was carrying six occupants despite having seating for five.
The vehicle was traveling along the mountain section of Highway 2 when it veered away from the roadway and crashed into a utility pole.
The impact was severe enough to leave the compact Hyundai mangled and heavily damaged.
Several of the people inside the vehicle were reportedly ejected during the crash, creating a difficult scene for responding emergency personnel.
Four occupants died as a result of the collision.
Two additional people survived but suffered injuries serious enough to require hospitalization. Both were reported to be in critical condition following the crash.
One of the surviving occupants was reportedly wearing a seatbelt, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Passengers Ejected in Violent Impact
The crash’s severity was underscored by the fact that several bodies were ejected from the vehicle.
Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, including what caused the Hyundai to leave the roadway and whether the number of passengers inside the vehicle contributed to the severity of the injuries.
The vehicle ultimately came to rest after striking a utility pole, leaving substantial damage behind.
With four people dead and two critically injured, authorities are working to establish the sequence of events that led to the collision.
The early-morning timing of the crash also meant that the tragedy unfolded during the overnight hours on a scenic mountain route.
Two Survivors Remain in Critical Condition
While four people lost their lives, two others survived the crash and were transported for medical treatment.
Both were reported to be in critical condition, meaning the death toll could potentially change depending on their recovery. Authorities have not released additional details about the extent of their injuries.
The identities of the four people who died and the two survivors have also not yet been publicly released.
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Families and loved ones may now be waiting for official identification as investigators continue their work at the crash site.
Cause of Wrightwood Crash Remains Unknown
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the Hyundai to veer off Highway 2.
Investigators are expected to examine the roadway, vehicle and available evidence as they work to understand what happened moments before the crash.
Four people are now dead, two others are fighting for their lives, and a California mountain community is left dealing with the aftermath of a devastating overnight collision.
What do you think may have contributed to this tragic Wrightwood crash? Share your thoughts in the comments below.