Coroner Releases ID Of 3 Killed In Fiery San Bernardino Crash
SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — Authorities Friday released the names of three of four women killed in a fiery collision in San Bernardino.
The accident happened about 8:33 p.m. Thursday on 5th just east of Cooley streets.
The California Highway Patrol says the vehicle tried to pass a car in front of them but lost control, crashed through a steel bridge rail and fell 20-feet, hitting the cement bottom of the wash. The car burst into flames.
"We could just hear ladies screaming for help and trying to get the fire department's attention and telling them, 'That lady. That lady. That lady is still screaming,'" Beverly Chavez, one witness, said.
The two passengers in the backseat were ejected.
Three women, identified as: 25-year-old Germany Brizick Lee Willis of Highland, 36-year-old Kristy Marie Ortiz-Medina of Highland, and one yet to be identified woman, died at the scene.
Joy Terri Doss, 24, of San Bernardino was transported in critical condition to a hospital where she was later died.
Ernest Ballou says his sister, Germany, was driving the car when it crashed. Witnesses said the vehicle was traveling "extremely fast" prior to the crash. Ballou said Germany had just called and said she was on her way home moments before the crash.
"I don't even know why this even happened. It's sad to just be sitting here looking at this," Ballou told CBS2's Adrianna Weingold. "This is the last place we can come, just that we know she was right here."
Kimberly Collins, the victims' best friend, said "That was my neighbor. My best friend. All of them were my best friends. They were my neighbors."
Investigators are still looking into the cause of the accident and said that speed could be a factor.
