A car crashed and burst into flames in Castaic early Wednesday, killing three passengers and leaving the motorist — who was allegedly driving while impaired — hospitalized and in custody.
California Highway Patrol officers were dispatched to The Old Road about 12:30 a.m.
“A silver 2010 Toyota Camry was traveling northbound on The Old Road, south of Parker Road in the city of Castaic,” the CHP said in a statement.
“The Camry was traveling at a high rate of speed when it approached a curve in the roadway,” according to the CHP. “The driver was unable to negotiate the curve in the roadway and the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree along the east side of the roadway. The vehicle was split in half and passengers #1, #2, and #3 were ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle continued and crashed into a light pole and caught fire.
“The driver was able to self extricate herself from the vehicle,” the CHP said. “All passengers in the vehicle were declared deceased by Los Angeles County Fire Department upon arrival, due to multiple traumatic injuries.
“The driver, and sole survivor of the crash, exhibited signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, which resulted in the fatal injuries to her passengers.”
The motorist — identified as Taylor Roberson, 19, of Redlands — was hospitalized for treatment of major injuries and was arrested, pending the possible filing of charges, the CHP reported.
The names of the people who died — two males and a female — were withheld, pending notification of their relatives. One male who died was 22 and from Castaic, the CHP reported. The ages and cities of residence of the other two fatally injured passengers were not immediately known.
Anyone with information on the crash was urged to call the CHP Newhall Area Office at 661-600-1600.