2 children killed after car falls 50 feet into ravine in Azusa

Monday, July 6, 2015
2 children killed after car falls 50 feet into ravine in Azusa
Two children were killed after a car plunged about 50 feet over the side of the road and into a ravine in Azusa on Saturday.

AZUSA, Calif. (KABC) -- Two children were killed after a car plunged about 50 feet over the side of the road and into a ravine in Azusa on Saturday.

The SUV was driving southbound on San Gabriel Canyon Road near Mountain Laurel Way at about 7:30 p.m. when it veered off the road. Witnesses said the car made a reckless move moments before the accident.

Los Angeles County firefighters respond after a car fell at least 40 feet over the side of the road and into a canyon in Azusa on Saturday, July 4, 2015.
Melissa MacBride

The driver allegedly crossed the double yellow line and went into the northbound lane to try to pass cars, witness Jessica Arostegui said.

"We saw the car go around and then it lost control, you could tell, and that's when it went off the side of the cliff," said Arostegui, who pulled over to help.

Two adults, both 32, and a 13-year-old girl survived, but were in critical condition.

"Two younger children -- a boy and a girl -- were fatally wounded," Azusa Police Sgt. Andy Sutcliffe said. The coroner identified the children as Andrea Caliz Martinez, 12, and Christopher Caliz Martinez, 8.

It was unclear if the driver was under the influence.