Jul 20th, 2025

Drunk driver causes fiery crash, killing 4 on the 605 | MLG

A 26-year-old woman suspected of driving under the influence caused a fiery crash that killed four people and injured two others early Sunday morning on the 605 Freeway in Norwalk, California, according to officials.

The crash happened just before 1 a.m. on the southbound lanes of the freeway near Rosecrans Avenue. According to ABC-7 News, the driver, Iris Salmeron of Bellflower, was arrested after being treated for major injuries.

CHP said two separate crashes occurred within minutes. First, a Nissan carrying four people collided with a CHP patrol car near the 105 Freeway interchange. The Nissan became disabled in the middle lane. The CHP officer was not hurt.

Moments later, Salmeron’s Kia crashed at high speed into the rear of the disabled Nissan. The impact caused the Nissan to burst into flames, killing everyone inside. The CHP confirmed that Salmeron was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the second crash.

Video footage from passing drivers showed the Nissan engulfed in flames. Responders were unable to rescue the victims trapped inside. Their identities have not yet been released.

Salmeron and her passenger were hospitalized with major injuries. Both are expected to survive. CHP officials said Salmeron will face multiple felony charges, including DUI causing injury and DUI with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher.

“This was entirely preventable,” CHP Officer Zachary Salazar said. “It’s tragic and devastating to the victims’ families.”

The Nissan had struck the CHP cruiser before coming to rest in the freeway’s #2 lane. Authorities have not confirmed how much time passed between the two crashes. Investigators are reviewing video footage and witness statements to determine the full sequence of events.

Following the collision, all southbound lanes of the 605 Freeway were closed between Firestone Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue. The closure lasted more than 11 hours and caused major traffic disruptions in the area. The freeway reopened around noon on Sunday.

CHP officials described the scene as one of the most difficult crash investigations in recent months. Emergency crews spent hours removing debris, documenting evidence, and recovering the victims’ remains.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is working to identify the four people killed. No further details about them have been released.

CHP is urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage to contact Officer J. Yoteco or Officer Z. Salazar at (562) 649-6800.

The crash has renewed concerns about drunk driving on California freeways. The 605 is a busy corridor that passes through parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties, and officials say DUI incidents are more common on weekends and early mornings.

“If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Use a rideshare or stay where you are,” Salazar said. “One bad decision can take lives.”

The full investigation may take weeks, as officials await toxicology reports and analyze additional evidence. Salmeron remains in the hospital under police guard and will be booked once released.

In the aftermath, many in the community have expressed grief and frustration. Social media posts and local conversations reflect outrage at the loss of life and the preventable nature of the crash.

CHP concluded by offering condolences to the families and vowing a full investigation. “We are doing everything we can to bring justice,” Salazar said.

Driving under the influence, they stressed, is never worth the risk.