2 dead after suspected street race ends with crash into fire truck in Compton area

COMPTON, Calif. (KABC) -- Two people are dead after a car believed to have been street racing crashed into a fire truck in the Compton area.

The incident happened around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Avalon and Compton boulevards, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency said two cars were reportedly racing down Compton Boulevard when one of them, a PT Cruiser, collided into the fire truck. A man and woman inside that vehicle died at the scene. Authorities say the two were believed to be in their 20s.

Four firefighters who were responding to a an emergency call suffered minor injuries. Investigators said the fire truck did have its emergency lights on at the time of the crash.

Surveillance video form a local business captured the moment the crash occurred, with sparks flying across the pavement.

A witness said that the cars were racing at full speed.

"They're racing right next to each other and the other car was kind of beating it, but then this car got mad and starting hitting the gas harder," one man said. "Next thing you know, I (hear a boom and see smoke)... I tried to run and help them, but it was too late for me to help them."

The other driver and car involved in the alleged street race has not been found. Investigators are asking the public to come forward if they have any relevant information.