3 killed in Fullerton car crash

Three people were killed in Fullerton after their vehicle was struck by a motorist who ran a red light, police said.

The accident occurred shortly after midnight at the intersection of Orangethorpe Avenue and Lemon Street in Fullerton, said Lt. Craig Brower of the Fullerton Police Department.

Several witnesses told police the driver of a red minivan ran a red light at the intersection, hitting a silver Mitsubishi carrying four passengers. Two people in the Mitsubishi were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, authorities said. Two others also in the Mitsubishi were taken to a nearby hospital, where one was later pronounced dead, Brower said.

The driver of the minivan fled on foot, but police found him about a mile away and took him into custody on  suspicion of hit-and-run, Brower said. Further charges are pending as the investigation continues, he said.

A passenger in the minivan was taken to Western Medical Center, authorities said. The condition of that person was unknown. A third vehicle also was struck, but there were no reports that anyone inside was hurt.  Authorities said the intersection will be closed at least until noon as the investigation continues.

-- Ruben Vives

Photos by Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[unknown]

was the driver nick adenhart?

[Jerry Nagool]

Angel's pitcher Nick Adenhart among the deceased.

[East Coast guy]

TMZ is reporting one of those killed was Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart, who pitched last night.

[Rubi]

Was this the Angel's pitcher?

[jon]

Angels pitcher Adenhart killed, how come Times doesn't know or print that?

[Meen Librall]

Those poor people in the Mitsubishi. And their families. My heart goes out to them for this horrible tragedy.

Hit and run? No excuses, ever! Let's see a heavy manslaughter charge here, and LOTS of publicity to show those IDIOTS (with Lewis Black emphasis), I repeat IDIOTS, who run red lights.

They KILL people to save 30 seconds of their own time. Lock them up, put their faces on the news as the KILLERS they are. No excuses, ever!

[paul spillane]

Sadly, one of the people killed in the accident was Angels starting pitcher Nick Adenhart, on his way from the stadium after pitching last evening.

[356man]

My thoughts and prayers go out to Nick Adehart's loved ones. What a tremendous tragedy, and because some reckless idiot ran a red light.

[Erika]

Horrible tragedy - my heart and prayers go out to them and their families.

[steve rodriguez]

He was 22 with a bright future! His killer is 22 with no future at all, only behind bars!!!!