Police chase ends with fiery crash in Long Beach; 4 people pulled from flames

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

At least four people were transported to trauma centers after a fiery crash at the end of a pursuit in Long Beach, authorities said. 

CHP officials confirmed that the crash took place on the 710 Freeway near the Anaheim Street exit around 10:30 p.m. Monday and occurred when the vehicle being pursued – a Kia sedan – slammed into a semi-truck. 

The pursuit was initiated by the Long Beach Police Department, CHP said, although why the vehicle was being chased is not yet known. 

The force of the collision caused the Kia to burst into flames; video obtained by KTLA shows fire crews battling the fire while police officers dragged the suspects away from the burning wreckage. 

According to police, the driver of the big rig and all of the Kia’s occupants sustained major injuries.

All northbound lanes of the 710 Freeway were closed for several hours while crews cleaned up the field of debris scattered across the roadway.  

At least four people were transported to trauma centers after a fiery crash at the end of a pursuit in Long Beach, authorities said. (KNN)At least four people were transported to trauma centers after a fiery crash at the end of a pursuit in Long Beach, authorities said. (KNN)At least four people were transported to trauma centers after a fiery crash at the end of a pursuit in Long Beach, authorities said. (KNN)At least four people were transported to trauma centers after a fiery crash at the end of a pursuit in Long Beach, authorities said. (KNN)

The northbound 710 was reopened just before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, CHP announced. 

No information on the identities of the Kia’s occupants or the truck driver was released. It is unknown if anyone has been taken into custody in relation to the pursuit. 

CHP is handling the investigation into the crash.

Nancy Fontan contributed to this report.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.