1 dead in possible street-racing crash in Upland, police say

UPLAND, Calif. (KABC) -- One person died in an Upland crash that police say may have been caused by street racing.

Upland police say the single-vehicle crash was reported around 4:30 p.m. at Euclid Avenue north of 8th Street.

They say it appears the car was traveling fast southbound on Euclid and lost control, leaving the road and wrapping around a tree.

Witnesses said it appeared the Chevrolet HHR SS turbo was racing a Camaro from a traffic light before it lost control.

Friends identified the driver as Geoffrey Haffner, believed to be 28 years old.

Authorities noted that a restaurant full of diners was close to the crash scene and a "mass casualty situation" might have occurred had the car not been stopped by the tree.

Police also said they believe alcohol was a factor, saying they could smell it at the crash scene.