Head-on crash kills 2 teenage boys, injures 3 others in Playa Del Rey

A violent head-on crash in Playa Del Rey killed two teenage boys and wounded another three people Tuesday night. 

The collision happened in the 8800 block of Vista Del Mar just alongside Dockweiler Beach a little before 7:55 p.m. The Los Angeles Fire Department said crews used special tools to rescue two people from the wreckage.

A 17-year-old boy behind the wheel of a blue Honda died at the scene and a 15-year-old boy died while first responders were rushing him to a nearby hospital, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The boys were inside a blue Honda sedan with two other teenagers when the car was driving northbound but — for unknown reasons still under investigation — crossed into the southbound lanes and collided head-on with a Tesla sedan, LAPD said. A woman inside the Tesla was also injured.

Inside the Honda, police said investigators found containers of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.

The two teens who died are from Inglewood and have been identified as David Ceja, 17, and Hector Ceja, 15.

Earlier, the LA Fire Department said three of the four people injured were listed in critical condition while another person with less severe injuries was listed in fair condition. The four victims were all rushed to a hospital for treatment and initially described by LAFD as a 30-year-old woman, 18-year-old man,18-year-old woman and 16-year-old boy. 

Several hours after the crash, LAPD said one of those victims, who later died, was actually 15 years old.

Authorities are still looking into what caused the deadly collision. 

The Inglewood Unified School District confirmed that David and Hector Ceja were students within the district. 

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two Inglewood Unified School District students as a result of a fatal car accident that occurred on June 4, 2024. The District is providing counseling support to our school communities during this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families impacted by this profound loss."