Crime & Safety

Driver Dies in Fiery Long Beach Collision

A witness tried to the rescue the driver from his burning vehicle but was unsuccessful.

A man driving a 1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia died Thursday morning in Long Beach after his vehicle collided with a parked car and caught on fire.

According to the Long Beach Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 1:15 a.m. near the intersection of Palo Verde Avenue and Marita Street.

Police said the unidentified man crashed his Karmann Ghia into a parked 1988 Ford Bronco, sending the Bronco eastbound across Palo Verde Avenue before coming to rest in the front yard of a nearby residence.

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The collision also caused the Karmann Ghia to catch on fire with the driver still inside.

Authorities said that a neighbor who heard the collision attempted to rescue the man from the burning vehicle but was unable to do so because of the flames.

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The driver died at the scene and the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office is currently in the process of identifying him, police said.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or who may have more information is asked to contact the Long Beach Police Department Accident Investigation Detective Brian Watt at 562-570-7355.

Anonymous tips can be left by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or texting TIPLA plus the tip to 274637 (CRIMES).


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