Santa Rosa, California – A tragic incident shook the Santa Rosa community on Friday night when a car veered off the road and caught fire in a creek, resulting in the death of a 17-year-old and leaving two other youths injured.
The preliminary investigation conducted by the Santa Rosa Police Department revealed that the 21-year-old driver was driving at a dangerous speed when he lost control of his vehicle. The car veered off the road on a gentle curve, flipped multiple times, and ultimately came to rest upright in the creek bed.
Unfortunately, the 17-year-old girl, who was seated in the right rear seat, lost her life at the scene due to severe injuries.
Two young passengers, aged 17 and 19 respectively, were rushed to a hospital where they are fighting for their lives due to injuries sustained in the accident. The older passenger was subsequently airlifted to a burn center for specialized medical care.
According to authorities, alcohol and drug consumption are suspected to have been involved in the tragic incident. It was found that the driver had a blood alcohol level of 0.11%, surpassing the legal limit by 0.03%. As a result, the driver has been arrested and charged with several serious offenses, including driving under the influence, causing injury to others, and vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol.
Out of respect for the families’ privacy and the age of those involved, the Santa Rosa Police Department has not released the names of the passengers in the vehicle involved in the tragic accident. The Santa Rosa Police Department has urged anyone with relevant information about this tragic event to contact the accident investigator, John Fisher, at 707-543-8550 or via email at jfisher@srcity.org.
This tragic car accident in Santa Rosa serves as a reminder of how the negligent actions of other drivers can terribly impact the lives of others. While behind the wheel, remember that, despite driving safely, you could still face risks caused by irresponsible drivers.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, seek the legal help you need to obtain justice. Ayuda California is available 24/7 to provide you with expert legal guidance. Call us today for a free consultation.