Driver arrested after grisly multi-car crash leaves 1 dead, 6 hospitalized in Reseda

One person was killed and six others were taken to hospitals following a crash in Reseda involving four vehicles.

The crash happened at around 11:15 a.m. on Sunday in the 18100 block of W. Vanowen Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they located one trapped person who was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people required extrication from a vehicle. 

A total of 11 patients were evaluated by first responders, firefighters said.

Six people were taken to hospitals for further treatment while four others declined transport at the scene.

Investigators say that the crash happened two cars, a white Dodge Charger and a yellow Chevrolet Camaro, were traveling eastbound on Vanowen Street at a high rate of speed.

"The Dodge changed lanes and collided with the Chevrolet, causing both vehicles to lose control and collide with multiple vehicles," said a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department. 

The driver of the Camaro was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified on Monday as Francisco Velasco-Marcos, 32, by the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner. 

Police arrested the driver of the Charger, identified as 21-year-old Reseda man Nicolas Velasco Marcos. He was taken into custody after being treated at a nearby hospital for minor injuries. He was booked for murder and is being held on $2 million bail. 

"Driving in a reckless manner is against the law and it carries serious consequences," said the LAPD statement. "When you drive recklessly, you are not only putting your own life in danger, but that of other innocent people."

Anyone with further information is asked to contact investigators at (818) 644-8036.