COLFAX-SUMMIT, CA - The driver in a car crash that left three people dead has been arrested and charged with DUI and vehicular manslaughter, according to California Highway Patrol Officer David Martinez.
The 17-year-old driver, of Meadow Vista, lost control of a Subaru Outback and crashed into a utility pole and tree. It happened around 7:30 on Thursday evening on Applegate Road near Boole Road.
The front passenger, Lukas Warren, 21, of Meadow Vista, was wearing a seatbelt but suffered blunt force trauma injuries and died at the scene.
A second male passenger was ejected and found deceased under the car, Martinez said. The victim was identified as 31-year-old Daniel Silverman of Meadow Vista.
Christian Mayorga, 21, of Auburn, was also ejected from the vehicle. He was life-flighted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center and later died from his injuries, Martinez said.
A 17-year-old female of Eugene, Ore. was a back seat passenger and suffered moderate injuries. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
"It makes you realize how fast something like that can happen," said Tina Minyard, who lives near the crash scene. She did not witness the crash but heard the sirens.
"(It) makes you want to tell your kids, grandchildren not to drink and drive. It's a really sad thing."
Police said none of the backseat passengers were wearing seatbelts.
The driver was taken to Mercy San Juan with minor injuries and was later taken to the Juvenile Detention Center .
Martinez did not know where the group was coming from prior to the crash.
News10/KXTV