Woman Killed In Fiery, DUI Crash On 101 Freeway In Encino
ENCINO (CBSLA.com) — A woman was killed early Thursday in a fiery crash while riding on a motorcycle on the westbound Ventura (101) Freeway in Encino, and the motorcyclist was facing possible charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
The crash happened just before 1 a.m. near Hayvenhurst Avenue, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Tony Polizzi.
The 20-year-old Northridge woman died at the scene, according to the CHP. Her name was withheld, pending notification of her next of kin.
The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Marcos Valenti of Huntington Park, was taken to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, CHP Officer Leland Tang said.
"(Valenti) had objective signs and symptoms of intoxication at the (crash) scene and at the hospital," Tang said in a statement.
Once released from the hospital, Valenti will be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
According to the preliminary investigation, Valenti was operating the motorcycle "at a high rate of speed when he rear-ended a black Lexus GS400," Tang said. Both Valenti and his female passenger were thrown from the motorcycle and landed on the roadway, he said.
Valenti was able to avoid oncoming traffic, but the woman was struck by several cars, according to Tang.
A vehicle hit the downed motorcycle, and both burst into flames, Tang said. No other injuries were reported. Valenti and his passenger both wore helmets, Tang said.
The westbound lanes were briefly closed for the investigation, but all lanes were reopened by 7:30 a.m.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
