Gerrard Kaonga
A Tesla car travelling at speeds over 100mph resulted in a car crash with multiple fatalities, resulting in an investigation being launched.
A driver and multiple passengers have died after the crash occurred in Pasadena, California over the weekend.
Police have confirmed they have launched an investigation after confirming the driver and the victims crashed into a vacant building in the 2300 block of Foothill Boulevard at around 2:38 am on Saturday morning.
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The driver and one of the deceased was identified as 22-year-old Moheb Samuel, who was driving a 2018 Tesla Model 3 at over 100 mph while carrying 5 other passengers.
The car crash happened when Samuel hit the curb, causing the car to go airborne and crash into a building, resulting in multiple people being ejected from the vehicle - including the three individuals who died.
The other two passengers that died were identified as 19-year-old Stefan Michael Pfeiffer, and another man in his 20s. Both the passengers and Samuel were pronounced dead at the scene.
The three survivors are Emerson Newquist, 18-year-old Bella Ramirez, and another 17-year-old girl.
Police have stated that Samuel had a prior DUI and may have been driving the Tesla with a suspended license, however they have not yet been able to confirm this.
They also stated that they found alcohol within the vehicle but have not yet confirmed whether Samuel was driving while impaired.
Pasadena Police Department's Anthony Russo told reporters details of the crash and said: "A collision of that magnitude and being that two of the survivors were ejected from the vehicle — the other remained inside the vehicle — you can imagine there was a significant trauma to them, broken bones, stuff like that,"
“There was evidence that alcohol was in the car. However, we were unable to determine at this time if the driver was impaired or under the influence."
Authorities have also confirmed some of the victims of the accident were students at Maranatha High School. The school has since called for prayers at this time.
John Rouse, the head of Maranatha High School, said :“We mourn this immense loss… During this difficult time, we turn to our faith in Christ Jesus for comfort and strength and ask others to join us in praying for all who are suffering due to this tragedy.
"Speaking to the parents that I have, I have never seen such despair in a mom’s eyes this past weekend.
"I know that is multiplied throughout this incident and we are just praying that God will help them walk through."