CBS NEWS — Authorities on Monday were still investigating the circumstances that led to a chain-reaction crash in Fullerton Easter morning that resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to at least four others.
A preliminary investigation revealed that an Audi sedan with a 32-year-old driver and Yamaha motorcycle were traveling northbound on Magnolia from Orangethorpe Avenues when they struck a Toyota Siena that was making an eastbound turn onto Flower.
The impact of the collision caused the motorcyclist to be ejected and the Audi to veer off the roadway striking a bicyclist and a pedestrian, both of whom were on the east sidewalk of Magnolia. The Audi then struck a telephone pole, coming to rest against the front of a home. A gas leak resulted and multiple residents in the area had to be evacuated.
The pedestrian has been identified as Antonia Mendez Ruiz, 68. Neighbors say she was on her morning stroll when the incident occurred.
The driver of the Toyota Sienna, who is 74 years old, and his 15-year-old passenger, were transported to a hospital with minor injuries. The male bicyclist in his 30s was transported to a hospital with moderate injuries. The driver of the Audi only complained of pain.
The motorcyclist was transported to a trauma center where he was pronounced dead. He has been identified as 34-year-old Bryan Tacadena Talladen.
The collision also busted a telephone pole and ruptured a gas line, prompting evacuations.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Neighbors believe that the motorcycle and Audi were racing. Alcohol or drugs are not believed to have played a factor. Magnolia Avenue will be shut down in both directions from Orangethorpe Avenue to Valencia Drive until at least 4 pm., authorities said.
They’re fed up with the constant dangerous driving occurring outside of their homes, with this fatal crash being just the latest in a string of incidents to have occurred in recent months.
“The drivers have no respect, because when they drive, they drive over the speed,” said Moises Ortiz, who lives in the area.
Sharon Killebrew, another resident who lives near the spot of the crash said drivers often fly down the road at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. As a result, she doesn’t even like walking home from the store, worried that she could meet a similar fate to that of Mendez Ruiz.
We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of the victims and wish a quick recovery for others involved in this crash during this very difficult time.
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