SUV Slams Light Pole, Catches Fire And Leaves 1 Dead In South OC

IRVINE, CA — A motorist was killed when his SUV crashed into a traffic pole in Irvine and caught fire, authorities reported Monday.

The crash was reported at around 8:35 p.m. Sunday on Barranca Parkway near Alton Parkway, the Irvine Police Department reported.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene by firefighters. His identity was not released, pending next-of-kin notification.

"The initial investigation shows the man was driving a gold Ford Explorer westbound on Barranca Parkway from Alton (Parkway) when he lost control of the vehicle," police said in a statement. "The Ford collided with the curb and (a) traffic signal pole causing significant intrusion into the vehicle. The vehicle was engulfed in flames after the collision."

Anyone with information on the crash was urged to call Detective Joshua Balos at 949-724-7024.