Huntington Beach crash kills one, injures two; DUI suspected

A 21-year-old suspected drunk driver was killed and two passengers were injured in Huntington Beach on Friday night when the driver lost control of his speeding vehicle and crashed into a tree, authorities said.

The incident occurred about 8 p.m. at the corner of Beach Boulevard and Sterling Drive, authorities said. Responding officers found the driver “partially restrained” inside a damaged 1991 Acura Integra with major injuries.

The driver, a Rowland Heights resident, was pronounced dead at the scene.

One male and one female passenger, both also of Rowland Heights, were found outside the vehicle and were transferred to the hospital with moderate injuries, police said in a statement.

Neither the driver nor his passengers were identified.

Based on the preliminary investigation, authorities said the Acura was traveling northbound on Beach Boulevard at a high rate of speed before losing traction with the roadway and colliding with a tree on the shoulder.

One passenger was ejected from the vehicle. At least two of the car’s occupants were not properly restrained, police said.

“Alcohol does appear to be a factor in this collision,” the statement added.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Huntington Beach police accident investigators Tai Huynh at (714) 536-5670 or Robert Barr at (714) 536-5666.