1 Killed As Ferrari Hits Power Pole Along PCH, Splits In Half
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A man was killed and another injured in a high-speed crash along the Pacific Coast Highway that split a Ferrari into two when it struck a power pole.
The accident was reported to the Los Angeles Fire Department around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. It occurred about a quarter mile northwest of Sunset Boulevard.
The speed limit on the PCH is 45 mph, but officials said they believe the driver was going twice that at the time of the crash. Police said the car was heading south on the PCH when it took a curve at 90 mph. That's when they say the driver lost control and hit the utility pole, causing the 1999 sports car to fly over a 30-foot embankment, landing on the beach in two pieces.
Both passengers were ejected from the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle survived the crash, but the passenger was pronounced dead on the scene.
The deceased has been identified as Basil Max Price III, a 23-year-old resident of Glendora.
"Police came to my house this morning and told me what happened, and I still don't believe it," Price's mother said through tears to CBS2. "He was loved by a lot of people and I loved him with all my heart. I wish I could have saved him."
The driver is in critical condition at UCLA Medical Center. He has been identified as 24-year-old Vladimir Skvortsov, a resident of Upland.
CBS2's Joy Benedict says the driver had a suspended license. He had three prior arrests for DUI and the fact he was even driving angered Price's parents. Said his father Max Price II, "I hope he lives -- to pay the consequences for what he did to my son."
Police do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.
The crash prompted the closure of the PCH between Santa Monica and Malibu for several hours and knocked down power lines. The roadway was reopened at 7 a.m.
KNX 1070's Ed Mertz reports that authorities are trying to figure out why the driver lost control.
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No other cars were believed to have been involved.
Price's parents hope this accident serves a warning to other young drivers.
"Kids have to realize that life his precious," Price's mother said.
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