Tragedy on the 605: Four Killed After DUI Crash Ignites Fireball on Norwalk Freeway
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA — A devastating early morning crash on the 605 Freeway in Norwalk has left four people dead and two others hospitalized after a suspected drunk driver slammed into a disabled vehicle, causing a horrific fire that trapped the victims inside.
Crash Unfolds Just Before 1 A.M.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 12:55 a.m. on Sunday, just north of Rosecrans Avenue, in the southbound lanes of the Interstate 605. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a Nissan sedan had been involved in a prior, non-fatal collision with a CHP patrol car. That crash left the Nissan disabled in the No. 2 lane of the freeway.
Moments later, a Kia sedan driven by Iris Salmeron, 26, of Bellflower, violently struck the rear of the disabled Nissan, triggering a fiery explosion that engulfed the vehicle. The four occupants trapped inside were unable to escape the flames. Responding firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department pronounced all four deceased at the scene.
Suspected DUI Driver Survives; Arrested at Hospital
Salmeron and a male passenger from her Kia were rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Both were reported to be in stable condition. CHP investigators determined that Salmeron was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
She was placed under arrest and is expected to face multiple felony charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing injury, and potentially more once the victims are formally identified.
Victims Yet to Be Named
The identities of the four individuals who died in the fire have not yet been released, pending notification of their next of kin. All were reportedly adults, though investigators have not disclosed further demographic details.
“This was an unspeakable loss,” said Officer Zachary Salazar of the CHP. “Four lives gone in an instant, and it all comes back to a senseless decision to get behind the wheel impaired.”
Freeway Closure and Investigation
Following the crash, all southbound lanes of the 605 Freeway between Firestone Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue were shut down for several hours. CHP officers, fire crews, and coroner investigators remained at the scene until nearly midday to document evidence and recover the remains.
The burned-out wreckage of the Nissan was removed by mid-morning, and traffic resumed shortly after.
Public Outrage and Grief
The incident has triggered an outpouring of grief and frustration on social media, where many residents expressed sorrow for the victims and outrage at the dangers of impaired driving.
“It’s terrifying. This could have been anyone. Four people never made it home because someone thought they were okay to drive,” wrote one user on a local community forum.
A Painful Reminder
This tragedy highlights the catastrophic consequences of driving under the influence. According to CHP statistics, DUI-related fatalities continue to be a leading cause of death on California roads, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
“This crash was preventable,” said a CHP spokesperson. “We ask everyone—please, do not drive impaired. Use a rideshare. Call a friend. Lives depend on it.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are asking any witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage from the area around 12:30 to 1:00 a.m. to contact the Santa Fe Springs CHP Office. Toxicology results are pending, and more details, including the names of the victims and formal charges against Salmeron, are expected in the coming days.
Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this terrible accident.