Driver, 21, killed after crashing into light pole in East L.A.

A 21-year-old driver died after crashing into a concrete light pole in East Los Angeles early Sunday, authorities said. The light pole fell, crushing the driver.

Louis Garcia of Los Angeles was driving south on Eastern Avenue about 12:30 a.m. at a high rate of speed when, as he approached Blanchard Street, the car made an unsafe turn to the right, causing the vehicle to swerve.

The 1985 Honda Civic CRX jumped a curb, struck a small tree and block wall before smashing into the light pole, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County coroner's office.

The light pole fell across the front of the red vehicle, said coroner's Lt. Cheryl MacWillie. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash resulted in a direct impact to the driver's side door, and Garcia suffered fatal wounds to his head and chest, the CHP said in a statement.

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-- Rong-Gong Lin II

Image: Map show location of the crash. Credit: Google