Student killed, 5 sent to hospital after crash near high school in Whittier

WHITTIER, Calif. (KABC) -- A single-vehicle crash near a high school in Whittier killed one student and sent five other victims to the hospital Tuesday morning.

Police said the SUV was heading southbound on the 8400 block of Villaverde Drive from Mar Vista Street, just a couple blocks north of La Serna High School, at about 11:30 a.m.

Officials said the SUV was traveling at high speeds when it veered onto the sidewalk, hit a large brick mailbox, rolled over and came to rest on its roof.

Six people were in the vehicle, including an adult driver and five La Serna High School students, according to officials.

One of the five students, 14-year-old Ivette Macias, was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities stated.

The five remaining victims, ranging in age from 14 to 19, were taken to the hospital, including two female passengers by helicopter.

Officials said two of the victims taken to the hospital were listed in critical condition.

Police stated the driver of the crash, 19-year-old Daniel Vasquez of Whittier, was arrested for felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

La Serna High School said grief counselors were made available to students and staff.