Violent crash leaves 3 dead, 3 hospitalized after Tesla slams into Pasadena building
Three people were killed and three hospitalized after a Tesla violently slammed into a building in Pasadena early Saturday morning.
The crash happened a little before 3 a.m. at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Vista Avenue when a car traveling at a high rate of speed lost control in a curved area, according to Pasadena Police Department Lieutenant Anthony Russo.
Because of how fast the car was going, it jumped the curb, collided with a power pole and slammed through the building of a wall at the intersection, Russo said.
Surveillance footage from the area shows the moments that the Tesla hurtles down the street and runs through a red light shortly before a bright flash can be seen, which is presumably when the crash took place.
Police say that the driver, 22-years-old, was going at least double the 35 mile per hour speed limit, if not closer to 100 miles per hour.
"The speed was so significant that the vehicle was able to launch into the air and travel through the air ... maybe a hundred feet," Russo said. "It's extremely devastating, and you think about tomorrow being Mother's Day."
Investigators say there is some evidence that was located at the scene that could indicate the crash was alcohol-related.
Of the six people inside of the Tesla, three were ejected at the point of impact. Police say three of the six were not wearing seatbelts.
Paramedics transported the victims to nearby hospitals where they're said to be in stable condition late Saturday.
Three others were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Russo. The victims were identified Monday as Moheb Reda Samuel, 22 and Alexander Espino,19. They were both past and current students from Maranatha High School, a private Christian college preparatory school in Pasadena.
One grieving mother identified her son, 20-year-old Stefan Michael Pfeiffer. He was in the backseat of the Tesla, she said.
She says that he was an Eagle Scout and was attending Pasadena City College, where he was considering a career in business.
Officials shared a statement upon learning of the loss, which read in part:
"We mourn this immense loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected during this difficult time. We turn to our faith in Christ Jesus for comfort and strength and ask others to join us in praying for all who are suffering due to this tragedy."
More than 500 homes lost power because of the crash as well, but crews were able to restore service to the majority of the area within 45 minutes. SkyCal flew over the scene late Saturday afternoon, where Pasadena Water & Power crews could still be seen working on the damaged power pole.
The intersection, as well as the stretch of Foothill Boulevard that runs between Craig Avenue and Sierra Madre Boulevard, was closed until just after 2:45 p.m.
