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3 killed, 4 injured in Lancaster traffic crash [updated]

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The triple fatal traffic collision happened around noon on Thursday, Jan. 11, at the intersection of Challenger Way and East Avenue J-8 in Lancaster. [Images courtesy: AV Scanner News Group. Photo credit: April Jenkins and Misty Love]
LANCASTER – A man and two women were killed and four other people were injured Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in Lancaster.

[Images courtesy: AV Scanner News Group. Photo credit: April Jenkins and Misty Love]
The fatal collision occurred around 12 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, on East Avenue J-8 at 10th Street East, also known as Challenger Way.

The preliminary crash investigation revealed that a silver four-door sedan traveling east on Avenue J-8 overturned after colliding with a blue four-door car that was headed north on 10th Street East, according to news release from the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

The three occupants of the blue sedan were pronounced dead at the scene. The four men in the overturned car sustained survivable injuries and were transported to a local hospital to be treated, according to the news release.

“At this time, it appears that alcohol and/or drugs were not a factor,” the news release states.

[Images courtesy: AV Scanner News Group. Photo credit: April Jenkins and Misty Love]
No further information was immediately available.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Lancaster Sheriff’s Station detectives Borruel or Bodily at 661-948-8466.

UPDATE: Based on witness statements, the silver sedan failed to stop for a red light, according to Detective Ryan Bodily of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station. “The cause of the collision is still being investigated, speed appears to be a factor. Alcohol is not a factor in the collision. Further intoxication of drugs is still under investigation,” Bodily said.

UPDATE: Two of the three people killed in the crash have been identified as Lancaster residents Yovany Yosair Salazar Calzada, 23, and Virginia Martinez, 61. The name of the third decedent, a woman, will be released pending notification of next of kin.

UPDATE: An online fundraiser has been established to cover expenses for the victims’ children. To donate to this cause visit: https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-for-3-love-ones

[Image via gofundme.com]

121 comments for "3 killed, 4 injured in Lancaster traffic crash [updated]"

  1. Almost a month, and no information on the killer. Probably some undercover sheriffs in a high speed pursuit of pot dealer…. Something is very fishy about this story.

    • People run lights or otherwise make some mistake while driving often; it’s known as a car accident. Happens all the time, all over the earth. Also, the majority of ALL vehicle accidents involve sober drivers. What makes this particular accident seem fishy?

  2. Was the driver in the Lexus black? Just asking.
    It’s good to know what to watch out for. I guess it’s been widely noted the marijuana which is now legal here .

    • Sugar, where exactly does this article mention marijuana? Let me answer that for you – it NEVER states marijuana was found. The article states precisely the opposite, as a matter of fact. A couple hysterical posters claim to know, just know! that marijuana was involved. These people don’t know what they are talking about, they simply post their emotions and beliefs. Read the article again. Remedial reading comprehension courses, anybody?

    • Oh Sugar, really! Cannabis horrors, and reefer madness is taking over the community. Nowhere does the article say marijuana was found.

  3. May there be justice and comfort for the Salazar Calsada & Martinez family. 1 King 8:32 “May you then hear from the heavens and act and judge your servants by pronouncing the wicked one guilty and bringing what he did on his own head, and by pronouncing the righteous one innocent and rewarding him according to his own righteousness.“

    • If the killer driver would have read his bible this evil behavior never would have happened, many claim the name of christ but do not know him, but regardless may the driver spend the rest of his life in prison

  4. looking forward to the trial, hope to see the stupid killer driver get 3 life sentences without parole.

  5. Speed limits are decided based on pedestrians in the area. The less pedestrians the higher the speed limit is. Once an area increases pedestrians then the speed limit changes. For instance, Palmdale Blvd East side in 2000 wasn’t 40 mph it was was a bit higher until the population increased. Im sorry to hear about the family and friends of the deceased and oesy that God will comfort them all. Be careful and remember you need to drive for others on the road.

    • Ayesha, could you point to some support for this idea that “speed limits are decided based on pedestrians in the area”? I’ve never heard that, or anything like that.

      I can see how there might be an indirect connection, because as far as I have heard speed limits are actually determined by the city always wanting to lower them, balanced against the limitation that state law requires them not to drop too far below the observed “normal speed of traffic” or it will be called an illegal speed trap. People do tend to slow down, generally, when there are more pedestrians around, so that would in turn allow the city to post a lower limit as they seem to always want to do.

      If there is some written code regarding this pedestrians in the area thing I’d like to know where since it might be useful someday. Thanks.

  6. I’m looking to move the heck out of the AV. It’s a wrap. This place is a freaking black hole.

    Rest in paradise to those innocent loved ones so tragically lost.May their beautiful children be comforted. Smh…

  7. Five days later and we still haven’t any details about the driver/murderer? Funny how we dont know his name, ethnicity, age, what he was high on, etc. bc ya know, “weed don’t hurt nobody” Looking for an update AVT.

    • Nice try. That’s a pretty desperate stretch to attempt to tie marijuana into the cause of this accident. Where does it mention marijuana or any other drug in this article? The majority of all car accidents involve sober drivers. Witnesses state the guy was speeding and attempted to thread the needle through the intersection on a red light. He failed, miserably but that doesn’t allow you to insert your alternative facts and prejudices. Weed doesn’t cause accidents or I, and MANY people I know would have been dead a very long time ago. Perhaps you should change your screen name to “Invent the Truth?”

      • Further intoxication of drugs is still under investigation, stated in the update. Plus weed was found in the car. Just bc a witness said “thread the needle” doesn’t mean that’s what he was trying to do. He was speeding and didn’t notice the light has changed or didn’t care bc he was wasted. Just wait it will come out soon.

        • I’ve read the article 5 times to ensure I wasn’t missing anything. Where does it state weed was found in the car? More inserted alternative facts on your part? Law enforcement is wetting their tax payer funded diapers in an attempt to tie marijuana into every accident. It’s all about budgets, hysteria, budgets, money, hysteria, propaganda, money and more money. The guy driving this vehicle is a world class idiot and professional amateur, no doubt, but that doesn’t mean he was loaded. And, these articles ALWAYS state pending further toxicology reports. That is SOP.

        • Yeah OK. Marijuana makes people just not care and run through red lights? Go watch Reefer Madness again. How old are you? The year 1901 is calling and wants you back. And, and, and the article NEVER states marijuana was found. Try reading the article before posting more hysteria.

          • Nice corny jokes, loser. Can’t imagine you’re that passionate about weed, maybe take a 15 minute break from toking to drive like a normal human being. People at the scene and in touch with the sheriffs office confirmed drugs were in the car. Don’t worry though, degenerate, nobody is taking your precious leaf away.

  9. I am still bothered by what I witnessed that day, I would have been part of the accident if I hadn’t taken my time leaving the light when it turned green,I’m I’m still having bad dreams and anxiety over what I witnessed, the man driving the silver car knew what he was eying to do, he didn’t even break.he was eying to thread a meddle and get away with it. Ian truly tramatized by it, as I’m just a witness, in a split second he took the lives of three people. He was going so fast.im devastated by someone else’s actions.

  10. May the man who caused this collision receive the maximun sentence. If I were King, this would be a capitol crime, First degree murder and the state would prosecute him, a trial by jury with instructions: If you find the driver was speeding and killed a person you must sentence him to death.

  11. We must all be ready for the end of life. For it can come today, tonight, tomorrow, soon. We wonder what is on the other side? I spoke to a man who died three times but was was brought back to life. He said, it was beautiful on the other side.

  12. To the families that lost their loved ones,may god bless you and be with you in your time of need. Ours prayers and love to you all.

  13. to the family, i pray that the peace of God will help you through this horrific tragedy.
    these may be the most difficult times of your life. why did God allow this to happen? and yet there will be an answer, someday, somewhere, some how, and you will know, perhaps in this life or in the life to come. Its ok to ask God, Why? Its ok to be angry at God, he will understand. Still, through it all, hold on to God, there will be an answer, the sun will rise, and even through your tears you will see the light. In Jesus name, amen

  16. Learn how to drive, azzzzholes. Speeding and running lights is the oldest rookie move mistake of all. If common sense was common…

  18. Everyone should slow down in Lancaster what’s the rush? Most are lowlife no jobs and always under the influence of something I see them speeding swerving cutting pole off texting and laughing at their phone and not caring about the rest. If they had jobs they wouldn’t be wondering the streets causing wrecks. Just saying.

    • I agree with you i lost my sister three years ago in a car accident for a wreck less fool trying beat the light

  19. To the family of the loved ones lost. I was a witness to the accident and. Went to help. I am Still sad today do what I saw. I did not know the family, but they will forever be on my mind.

    • Rocio was my cousin and she was one of the people that died in the blue car. Thank you for your help.. she’s left behind 3 babies.. if it’s not too much to ask as we still aren’t receiving answers, what did you witness?

    • The Lexus driver was the male in the field area. He was the driver!. He was going 90 plus through the red light, lost control. Your cousin vehicle was hit broadside flipped, hit the curb and went air born. I am sad to say. It was instant there was no movement in the car. As well The Sheriff and fire were there within three minute. Fire dept cut the roof off. Several people were near the impact and I know they gave statements.

  20. They were alive 12/31/2017, happy, celebrating, making resolutions, 11 days after they have gone to the otherside, never to return to this earth again. some of you reading this will also be gone before the year is over. Are you ready?

    • An early death is always possible for any of us.. but I think its best to enjoy the life we have now then to live in fear of it all ending too soon. But it IS best to have your affairs in order.. Have a will written up and discuss with your household what your wishes are if the unthinkable happens.

  21. I moved to Palmdale just over a year ago. The driving standard here is shockingly bad, worse than anywhere I have lived in the world and I have lived in several countries. Cop cars just sit and watch while people weave in and out of traffic, drive too fast, and sit on bumper of others etc. Even my 6 year old son asked why there are so many accidents in California that we see fire trucks all the time. Crack down on bad driving is badly needed in this city

  22. Are you guys kidding. The mayor of Lancaster is a personal injury attorney. That is car accidents. He is making a fortune by keeping the roads messed up and bad lighting and all the rest. He will never change anything . He makes to much money the way things are. Wake up. Really? Are you kidding me.

    • You [removed], THE GUY RAN A RED LIGHT GOING 80+. and it is still unknown if he was high. This has zero to do with R.Rex. Get a [removed] clue and blame the [removed] bastard PURPOSELY driving like an idiot.

    • Hey Jonathan, even though we have to live in Mexifornia,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,speak english!

      • Why? It is not the national language. Please, get a government representative moving that way though. After all, the government has not listened to anyone about that issue so far.
        Oh, use Bing or Google to translate.

      • No, you don’t John. You could move to some Republican paradise, like Kansas or Mississippi. You won’t be missed.

  24. Sheriffs found cocaine and weed in the speeding car, just more dirtbag human beings endangering the lives of others.

    • I’m still waiting on that “proof” that the driver was high. What happened to that? You state weed and coke were found in the vehicle but the article clearly states drugs and alcohol were NOT a factor. Seems like that would be the kind of info that would have made it into the article, no?
      You’re hysterical, and I don’t mean funny, just a person prone to hysteria.

  25. The victims in this case should have looked both ways before crossing. I know it is not their fault, but we must always remember there are many stupid careless people in the world. Assume that the stupid will run the light. Slow down even when your light is green. Look out for stupid drivers. Stay alive. If you don’t the stupid will live, go to jail, but you will be buried.

      • remember to expect the unexpected. look both ways before crossing. for he who looks both ways shell live and he who does not shell die.

        Poncho chapter 1 verese 1

    • WOW, I wish they would make a law that if your IQ is under 80 you can’t comment on the Internet. HOW do you see someone going over 90 mph in time react? ESPECIALLY at that location where a block wall is blocking any potential view they might’ve otherwise had (still wouldn’t had mattered at that speed). Your comment is disrespectful to the families of the victims. These people were MURDERED, there is NO REASON to be going 60 in that location let alone over 90.

  26. The deceased were very close to my son and his friend. Due to irresponsibility, we now have 3 ppl to say goodbye to. There are 3 children that no longer have parents and a great grandmother. I hope the guilty are properly held accountable.

  27. This idiot killed a family of 3. He was driving around doing nothing. If this low life would have had a job this would of happened. Charge him with murder, This if definite man slaughter 12 years state prison.

    • so because someone doesn’t have a job they are a low life? I understand you anger but don’t be stupid! lives were lost we can go all day playing what if! how about watch ya mouth be humble and pray over the families and not sound stupid…

  29. Prayers to the families affected BUT once the driver is released from hospital, they better NAIL to the wall. Careless act caused loss of life… Now, suspect should be locked up and throw away the key. An eye for an eye is better but it’ll take forever to see that happen.

  30. People we need to slow down and stop running RED LIGHTS.. Because when we all leave our homes we all want to make it to our Destinations Safely and return home as we left..
    Please be careful driving out there…

    • Defensive driving is something any driver can do. Cross through any signal or stop sign wary of potential cars that may just blast through.

  31. So the people who ran a red light while speeding survived, whereas the ones who did nothing wrong died. What a shame.

    Speed limits are way too high in the AV. Urban streets should have speed limits of 45. Maybe allow streets on the periphery like Ave M or Ave P to keep their 55 mph speed limit as a compromise.

    • Doesn’t matter what the speed limit was, they were not obeying the speed limit in the first place and they blew the red light!

    • Did you NOT see the 40mph speed limit on the sign in the picture? Speed limit means nothing too many out here.

      • That 40 was for J-8 and it’s obvious that that degenerate Lexus driver did not give a [removed] about his speed or Human Life. He was Eastbound on J-8 with no regards for the laws of the road. 3 counts of Murder!!!

      • FYI: There are four different speed limit signs at that intersections:
        challenger going north is 50mph
        challenger going south is 45mph
        J-8 going east is 45mph
        J-8 going west is 40mph.
        There is no turn signal and with 50mph speed limit there should be! Not in this case but as an example would be What if a car going south on challenger turns left on a green light onto J-8,not realizing the oncoming car going north on challenger is at minimum 50mph limit? That is enough speed not to be able to stop quickly.So they need to either install turn signal or lower speed limit.

    • The people that were speeding, unfortunately were the ones who lost their lives. I live on the corner of 15th Street East and Avenue J and we have accidents here at least once a week. Something must be done, we need to have the arrows at this intersection, too many accidents happen because people speed up on a yellow light instead of slowing down to stop. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those that were involved in this terrible accident God Bless you in your time of need.

        • The silver car traveled many times further past the point of impact then the blue car did, suggesting higher speed. The blue car seems to have been T-boned by the speeding silver car. Those poor people never saw it coming.

  32. Maybe all of us should be more responsible.. remember OUR love ones are on this roads, our roads!! our town!! our city!!… I would definitely NOT blame, get ungry or discourage, if the sheriff started ENFORCING speed limits for everyone… too many accidents in our city… SHERIFF PLEASE DO YOUR JOB!!!

    • Your right…it is the Sheriff’s fault no one cares about speed limits, red lights and cell phones. Give me a break. How about people being responsible and realizing driving is dangerous. If the deputies started handing out more tickets it would be considered just a way to raise revenue for the city and people wold complain about that.

      A senseless loss of lives. Prayers for all the families affected.

      • so, how would everyone feel if the toxicology report came back on the 4 men that they had drugs in their system? pot maybe? how would people feel now about this new law. I mean, it’s nothing new and the sheriffs do nothing, they drive around with a joint in one hand, a cellphone in the other and children not properly restrained. Innocent people always pay the price. And then on top of it, you have these idiot lawyers that advertise “don’t pay the DUI or speeding ticket” I mean, really?? you broke the law. You need to pay for what you did. I hope the driver and the passengers are charged with manslaughter.

        • why the passengers? see yippy speaking outta anger not thinking rational.. so if I was in the car with you and you hit somebody I should be in trouble too? right now you see how stupid you sound

      • California and personal responsibility? Now that is never going to happen. A slap on the wrist, out in a year is all he get. The state doesn’t even follow laws, why should the people of California?

        • Sadly but true. I always wondered how it was so easy to be careless and kill someone while driving, and then end up with a 6 month suspension of your license (if you had one) and a 3 year suspended sentence. If there was no DUI, you are not looking for much in the way of punishment. Now civilly you can be held to a large fine through the civil court process. This however only has any effect if you had anything worth taking in the first place.

    • The way that street is there is no possible way to see somebody going over 90 running a red light in that direction because of a block wall blocking the view. They never had any chance and acting like there was something they could’ve done is not only disrespectful but very very ignorant. This driver is going to be charged with 3 counts of murder for a reason.

  33. I wish these young driver’s slow down out here in the AV this is terrible…Condolences the the families of the deceased

      • You must be one of those idiots who drive high speed – shame of you and shame for your comment- might Live spare you to go through situation like this- and you never lose love one by someone who broke the law!!!!

        You are one poor individual!!!

      • You must be one of those who speed at all time!!!
        Might Life spare you situation like this and you will never lose love one by someone who don’t care about other human beings!!
        Shame on you and shame for your comment!!!!
        You are one poor individual

  34. So sad but speed is always a factor here in Lancaster, if only he would’ve stoped when he had to. #UnsafeDriving
    #InnocentLivesTaken
    #RIP

  35. I’m praying for all the people in both cars. The ones that lost their life and the ones seriously injured. My little cousin was in the backseat of the car and he is still in the hospital undergoing alot of surgeries. So please keep him in your prayers. If you have a heart you would know God is the only one right now that truly knows what happen not man. Praying for all the families cause I know the pain of losing a love one unexpectedly..

    • No Bob, just more than you. Apparently a whole lot more than you, since you are so awestruck, but far from everything.

    • You both (Tim Scott, Bob) comment on everything it seems but this is not a time that either of you need to be making snide comments to one another… comment on what you choose but to comment just to snipe at each other is disrespectful to those involved not to mention this jabbing at one another is so dang old you’ve become the negativity and problem of our community.

  37. Oh how horrible! Why do people have to go through red lights; why can’t they be patient? Three innocent people had to die because someone is an idiot.
    My condolences to the families.

  38. Not only speed was a factor but the fact that one of them went through a red light. Needless loss of life.

  40. 1st of all there has been not “at fault” mentioned or reported anywhere in the article. 2nd…before passing judgment you should know all the facts. Try re-reading the article.
    3rd….people died in this collision and were injured. Its a sad a sad situation no matter who is at fault.

  41. 1st of all there has been not “at fault” mentioned or reported anywhere in the article. 2nd…before passing judgment you should know all the facts. Try re-reading the article.
    3rd….people died in this collision and were injured. Its a sad a sad situation no matter who is at fault.

    • Read the facts and if you have just a little common sense – you will get the answer to your question

  42. Figures that the driver responsible for killing 3 innocent people, survives! So tired of careless irresponsible people driving!

  43. Figures the person responsible for killing 3 innocent people survives! So sick of careless and dumb ass drivers