Coroner’s officials Saturday released the name of a 30-year-old motorist who was killed in a fiery three-vehicle crash on the Hollywood (170) Freeway in North Hollywood, where his 1994 Honda Del Sol caught on fire and he died inside the car.
The victim was identified as Kenny Duarte, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.
The crash on the southbound freeway, south of Roscoe Boulevard, occurred about 10:45 p.m. on March 1, the CHP reported.
The 30-year-old Van Nuys man was driving in the number two lane of the southbound freeway when he suddenly slowed down and was rear-ended by a 2015 Lexus GS 350. The impact caused the Honda to veer to the left, strike the center divider and block the HOV lane.
A 2016 Lexus ES 350 then struck the left rear side of the Honda. The Honda was pushed toward the number three and four lanes, facing in a northerly direction. The Honda subsequently caught on fire.
Bystanders attempted to remove Duarte from the vehicle, however the heat from the flames became too intense and he succumbed to his injuries inside the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the CHP.
Paramedics transported a 62-year-old woman who was a passenger in the 2016 Lexus ES 350 to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center-Burbank with minor injuries.