Driver killed in possible street-racing crash in San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- One person is dead following a possible street-racing crash in San Bernardino on Monday, according to San Bernardino Police.

The crash happened near Waterman Avenue and 9th Street around 3:15 p.m., police said. One or two vehicles were traveling westbound on 9th Street at about 60 to 80 mph when an Acura sedan lost control, went sideways, sheared a light pole and knocked off a fire hydrant.

Police said the impact from the car onto the hydrant likely caused the car to rip in half. The driver died instantly, police said.

One half of the vehicle ended up in the parking lot of E. Neal Roberts Elementary School, located in the 400 block of E. 9th Street, according to SBPD.

Police said school was not in session at the time due to Spring Break, but on a normal day, such a crash near a school could have made the situation a lot worse.

"Had this not been the week for Spring Break...this happened just at the time school is out. This collision would have been a lot worse than it is today," said Lt. Rich Lawhead.

San Bernardino PD said they are looking for a vehicle possibly involved in the fatal crash.

Police were looking at surveillance video to determine whether street racing was the cause.

A portion of East 9th Street was blocked off by authorities as the violent crash brought down power lines after the car took out the light pole.