NEWPORT BEACH, CA. (THECOUNT) — Luke Fitch of Newport Beach, CA, has been identified as the wrong-way driver in a fatal multiple-vehicle crash Wednesday morning.
Fitch, 23, was critically injured and a 65-year-old woman was killed. The suspect is said to have intentionally caused the five-car 73 Freeway crash.
According to CHP, the violent collision occurred shortly before 9 a.m. near Campus Drive and University Drive in Newport Beach.
Witnesses told CHP investigators that the man behind the wheel of a silver Mercedes-Benz station wagon reached speeds of up to 100 mph while driving against traffic shortly before the violent pileup, according to ABC7.
That motorist, who was critically injured in the incident, was later identified by authorities as 23-year-old Luke Fitch of Newport Beach. He was transported to OC Global Medical Center in Santa Ana.
A woman was pronounced dead at the scene after the white BMW sedan she was driving was hit head-on by the speeding Mercedes. Her identity was not immediately released.
“Based on the reports of him driving recklessly beforehand and the way he got on, that’s why we are looking into it as a possible intentional act,” CHP Sgt. Todd Kovaletz told ABC7. “So as far as intoxication goes, right now it’s obviously something that’s suspected, but until we can get there and interview him and talk to the hospital, it’s too early to say one way or the other.”
Three northbound lanes were closed on the 73 as an investigation and cleanup operation were conducted at the scene.
DEVELOPING::
Geo quick facts: Newport Beach, a coastal city in southern California, is known for its large, boat-filled harbor. Balboa Peninsula has 2 piers, Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, plus the Balboa Fun Zone, an old-school amusement park with a Ferris wheel and ocean views. Local beaches include the Wedge, known for its big waves, and Corona del Mar State Beach. The Orange County Museum of Art exhibits modern and contemporary works wikipedia.
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