4 Killed In Head-On Desert Crash, Police Suspect Alcohol Involved

LITTLEROCK, CA — Four people were killed in a head-on collision on a two-lane desert road in Littlerock in which alcohol may have played a part, authorities said Saturday.

The crash was reported at 6:39 p.m. Friday on Mount Emma Road at 77th Street East, south of the Pearblossom Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

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A white Honda Pilot SUV and an Infiniti G35 sedan were involved in the crash, according to the CHP. Video from the scene showed both vehicles with major front-end damage on the same side of the desolate road.

The preliminary investigation indicated the Infiniti was eastbound on Mount Emma Road and crossed into the westbound lane before crashing head-on into the SUV, the CHP stated in a press release.

"As a result of the collision, the driver and passenger of the Infiniti sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel," the CHP stated. "Investigators determined that neither occupant of the Infiniti was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash."

The Infiniti driver was identified as 23-year-old Byron Herrera Lorenzana, who died from traumatic injuries, according to the Medical Examiner's office. The passenger was not yet identified.

Two more people died at a hospital, CHP Officer Sergio Garcia told City News Service. They were the driver and passenger of the Pilot, who were airlifted to Antelope Valley Medical Center.

"Evidence recovered from within the Infiniti indicates alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in this crash," the CHP stated.

The CHP urged motorists to be careful on Mount Emma Road and similar mountain roadways. "Limited sight distances, narrow lanes and winding terrain demand reduced speeds and heightened attention, particularly during the evening hours. Unsafe passing and excessive speed significantly increase the risk of head-on collisions with devastating and often fatal consequences."

The CHP also noted that nearly half of the people killed in crashes nationwide were not wearing seat belts.