Man lighting fireworks on street in Wilmington killed in hit-and-run, investigators say

WILMINGTON, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man who was reportedly lighting fireworks near a shopping center parking lot in Wilmington was hit and killed by a driver, authorities said.

It happened just after 9 p.m. Monday along Fries Avenue, close to the Food for Less on West G Street.

Investigators said the victim, described only as a 36-year-old-man, was reportedly lighting fireworks when he was run over by a driver in an SUV.

Police say the SUV was heading north "at a high rate of speed" when it struck the man lighting fireworks in the street. The man was dragged under the SUV for about 85 feet before becoming dislodged and then being hit by a second vehicle leaving the parking lot. The driver of the second vehicle stayed at the scene, but the SUV driver fled.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle who struck him remains on the run.

No other injuries were reported.

The victim's name has not yet been released.

The incident remains under investigation.