LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA — Four people were killed early Saturday after a single vehicle crashed inside a tunnel beneath Long Beach Airport and burst into flames, authorities confirmed. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene as firefighters battled intense flames and heavy smoke inside the confined roadway.
Crash Inside Airport Tunnel Turns Deadly
According to Long Beach police, the crash occurred around 1:18 a.m. near East Spring Street and Lakewood Boulevard. Investigators said a gray sedan was traveling southbound on Lakewood Boulevard when it suddenly left the roadway and slammed into a concrete median inside the airport tunnel.
The impact caused catastrophic damage to the vehicle. Fire officials said the sedan caught fire shortly after the collision, engulfing the car in flames before emergency crews could fully intervene.
All four occupants inside the vehicle were declared dead at the scene.
Emergency Crews Faced Intense Flames and Smoke
Responding officers and firefighters arrived to find the wreckage burning inside the tunnel, creating dangerous conditions due to thick smoke, heat, and limited ventilation. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the blaze and secure the crash site.
Images from the scene showed heavy fire damage to the front of the vehicle, with responders wearing full protective gear as they approached the burning sedan.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the four victims, pending notification of their families.
Investigation Focuses on Cause of Crash
The Long Beach Police Department said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Detectives are reviewing whether speed, impairment, or other contributing factors may have played a role in the sedan leaving the roadway and striking the median barrier.
Officials have not confirmed any mechanical failure or external involvement. At this time, investigators have described the incident as a single-vehicle collision.
The tunnel area beneath Long Beach Airport was temporarily closed as crews conducted their investigation and cleared the scene.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Questions
The deadly crash has raised renewed concerns about late-night driving conditions along Lakewood Boulevard, particularly in the tunnel stretch beneath the airport runway. Residents have previously voiced concerns about speeding in the area, especially during overnight hours when traffic is lighter.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and have urged anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of four lives in a violent, fiery crash that unfolded in one of Long Beach’s busiest transportation corridors.
If you have thoughts on roadway safety in the Long Beach Airport tunnel area or concerns about late-night speeding along Lakewood Boulevard, share your perspective and join the conversation at GordonRamsayClub.com.
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