2 Banning High students killed in possible street racing crash in Wilmington

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Friday, January 30, 2015
2 Banning High students killed in possible street racing crash in Wilmington
A brother and sister were killed and two others were injured in a violent crash in Wilmington Thursday afternoon. Investigators believe that street racing may have been involved.

WILMINGTON, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A brother and sister were killed and two others were injured in a violent crash in Wilmington Thursday afternoon. Investigators believe that street racing may have been involved.

"We're prepared to say that speed was a factor," Los Angeles Police Sgt. Dana Adams said.

The accident was reported in the 300 block of W. Pacific Coast Highway at 3:16 p.m. Los Angeles police said a red Honda Civic carrying four Banning High School students was driving westbound in an eastbound lane when it crashed into a van. Another vehicle, described as a dark-colored pick-up truck, was also driving against traffic, but was able to drive away. LAPD officials are searching for that driver to ask questions about the incident.

Wreckage is seen from a collision in Wilmington in the 300 block of Pacific Coast Highway on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015.

The siblings Elias and Elexis Garcia, 16 and 18 respectively, were declared dead at the scene. One person who was injured in the crash underwent surgery at a nearby hospital and the other person was released. Authorities said all four people were Banning High School students.

The driver of the van was also hospitalized, but was expected to recover.

Community members mourned the loss of the students Thursday night.

"When they were younger, they were my neighbors for a little bit. They were good kids, good kids. This is hard," said Martha Yanez, a parent at Banning High School.

Pacific Coast Highway was temporarily closed in the area due to the investigation.