San Gabriel Valley, California – Early Friday morning, June 28, a tragic accident in San Gabriel Valley resulted in three fatalities and two injuries, including a child. The driver of the vehicle is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
The accident occurred shortly after midnight when the driver lost control of the vehicle, crashing into several parked cars and a light pole on East Graves Avenue, near Cecil Street in Monterey Park.
Officers patrolling the area quickly responded after hearing the collision’s loud noise, according to Captain Bill Cuevas of the Monterey Park Police Department. Upon arrival, they found the driver conscious, who informed them that five people were in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
“One occupant was missing, so they began searching and found the adult male on the roof of a house,” Cuevas explained. Unfortunately, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inside the SUV, officers found two deceased passengers, a man and a woman. Additionally, a 7-year-old child, who appeared to be the only one wearing a seatbelt, was taken to the hospital along with the driver.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. However, authorities suspect the driver was under the influence of alcohol and possibly speeding.
Due to the accident’s severity, East Graves Avenue was closed in both directions for approximately three blocks as officers examined the scene and gathered evidence.
