Initial reports said the driver of a Nissan Altima may have been racing prior to crashing into a parked AAA tow truck at the intersection of Central and Florence avenues at about 2:30 a.m. Skid marks were found on the ground.
The woman passenger was pronounced dead at the scene and the female driver was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The tow truck driver was not injured.
Surrounding roads were shut down pending a California Highway Patrol investigation.
"Everything is still under investigation," CHP officer Michael Griffith said.