2 killed as BMW ripped in half during violent crash in West Hills

WEST HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Two people were killed in West Hills after a speeding BMW was ripped in half during a violent crash Sunday evening, according to authorities.

Officials said the crash happened in the 23700 block of Vanowen Street at about 6:30 p.m.

Los Angeles police stated a 2001 BMW 5-Series was speeding on Vanowen Street when it collided with a Toyota Camry that was making a left turn onto Platt Avenue.

Authorities said the BMW toppled a traffic signal, downed electric wires and sheared a fire hydrant as the car was ripped in half.

The sheared fire hydrant sent water soaring into the sky that was electrically charged by the downed power lines, police said.

Because of the electricity, crews could not immediately access the wreckage until the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was able to turn the power off.

Once crews accessed the BMW, they said a driver and passenger were found trapped dead inside. Authorities said they appeared to be in their teens.

According to police, they did not believe the BMW was street racing another vehicle, but was traveling at a very high rate of speed, much higher than the speed limit of 35 mph.

"We did not observe any skid marks, pre-impact skid marks, before the impact was done. Everything that we see is post impact. It's again a very violent collision where the BMW was cut in half," Det. Bill Bustos with the Los Angeles Police Department said.

The sole occupant of the Toyota, a female driver, was taken to the hosptial. Officials said she was treated for minor injuries and released.

Vanowen Street and Platt Avenue were closed to all traffic as detectives investigated the crash scene.