Update: Stolen Kia slams into tree in San Jose, explodes into flames, killing passenger

SAN JOSE -- A passenger was dead and the driver of a stolen Kia sedan remained at large Monday morning following a horrific crash and fireball on a San Jose street.

San Jose police said officers responded to reports of a crash at 1:26 a.m. near Meridian Avenue and Woodruff Drive. Upon arrival, the officers discovered a vehicle fully engulfed in flames after striking a tree.

After the flames were extinguished, a passenger was located in the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The unknown driver fled the scene and remains unidentified. 

Investigators said excessive speed may have been a factor in the collision. 

Andre Palyani has lived in the neighborhood for 18 years. He says street racing has become a common sight on the street.

"Sometimes overnights we hear racing around here," he told KPIX. "It's a pretty wide street. You can hear people racing over here. Tires burning and everything else. "

This was the 18th fatal collision, and the 19th traffic death of 2023 in San Jose. 

The victim's name will be released by the Santa Clara County Coroner's Office after confirming the victim's identity and notifying next of kin.

Anyone with information on this investigation is urged to contact Detective Malvido #4206 of the San José Police Department's Traffic Investigations Unit at 4206@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4654.