A fiery crash near Los Angeles International Airport claimed one life early Saturday, sending towering flames into the sky and prompting a major emergency response.
The single-vehicle collision was reported at about 5 a.m. near Imperial Highway and S. Hughes Way, according to an LAPD spokesperson who spoke with The California Post.
Video from the scene showed the vehicle engulfed in flames as Los Angeles Fire Department crews worked to bring the blaze under control.
After the fire was extinguished, the car was left charred and heavily damaged, particularly at the front end. Reports indicated that it struck a freeway pillar, although the exact circumstances leading to the crash remained under investigation.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene, the LAFD told The Post. No other patients were transported for medical treatment.
A witness who had been sleeping in his car nearby said he awoke to the sound of the devastating impact.
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“I think somebody in that car, bro,” he yelled. “I just heard a big boom. I was in the car asleep. Oh, god.”
The crash happened near a FedEx hub at LAX and brought a large multi-agency response involving the LAPD West Traffic Division, LAFD, California Highway Patrol and LAX Police.
Authorities had not identified the victim, and officials had not determined whether alcohol contributed to the collision.
The fatal crash occurred only days after a frightening turbulence event shook passengers aboard a United Airlines flight traveling from Hawaii to Los Angeles.
Four United flight attendants were injured when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence during its descent. The plane reportedly dropped more than 3,500 feet in one minute at one point, sending passengers out of their seats.