Car Slams Utility Pole, Bursts Into Flames In Seal Beach: Police

SEAL BEACH, CA — A car traveling at high speeds that slammed into a utility pole before bursting into flames in Seal Beach was likely engaged in illegal street racing, authorities said.

The crash was reported Saturday at around 1:33 a.m., when Seal Beach Police Officers responded to a report of a solo vehicle injury traffic crash near Westminster Boulevard, between Seal Beach Boulevard and Bolsa Chica Road.

Upon arrival, officers found a vehicle that had crashed into an Edison pole that was fully engulfed in flames.

The driver was able to get out of the car before the blaze grew and was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, Seal Beach Police Department Lieutenant Julia Clasby told Patch.

"Based on the preliminary investigation, the car may have been involved in illegal street racing prior to the crash," Clasby said. "But the incident remains under investigation. No charges have been filed at this time."

The crash caused Westminster Boulevard to undergo temporary traffic disruptions while crews worked to ensure public safety and address the damage done to the utility pole.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Seal Beach Police Department Traffic Investigator James Dowdell at jdowdell@sealbeachca.gov.