2 Workers Killed In 405 Freeway Crash
TORRANCE (CBS/AP)— Two construction workers were killed on the 405 freeway Sunday after two alleged drunken drivers slammed into the crew.
The crash happened around 3:35 a.m. at a construction zone near the Crenshaw Boulevard exit, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officers said a blue Ford Explorer driven by Yocio Gomez, 33, smashed into the rear of a black Lexus SUV driven by Stephan Caserta, 43.
"As it turns out, one of the motorists was slowing down as he saw the construction site. He was rear-ended by the other motorist, which caused them both to drive into the construction zone," said Officer Ed Jacobs.
The SUV spun out control, forcing the driver to strike the three contracted workers. Ramon Lopez, 56, and Ricardo Zamora, 58, died. A third man suffered major injuries.
Gomez's car overturned on its roof. The medical conditions of Gomez and Caserta were not immediately known.
Paramedics rushed both drivers to hospitals, where they were arrested for suspicion of drunken driving.
The northbound 405 was closed until 2 p.m. from Crenshaw Boulevard to Artesia Boulevard as CHP investigated the incident.
The incomplete repaving job also had to be completed.
Authorities said the motorists may be charged with involuntary manslaughter for killing the workers.
(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
