Driver's Attempt to Help Might Have Led to Fatal Orange County Crash

At least three vehicles were involved in the crash on the northbound 5 Freeway

A driver's attempt to help another motorist might have led to a series of crashes Thursday morning on the 5 Freeway in Irvine that left two people dead.

The collisions began with a single-vehicle crash into a center divider near Jamboree Road. The female driver of an Acura sedan stopped to help the driver, but both vehicles were then struck by the driver of a Toyota Camry.

"The vehicle that was disabled was stopped in lanes," said CHP Officer Florintino Olivera. "The best thing you want to do is pull to a safe location, call 911 and be a good witness."

Another vehicle struck the Camry, which was then broad-sided by a minivan. Both Camry occupants were killed in the crash.

A coroner's van transported two bodies -- identified only as a man and woman -- from the scene on the northbound side of the 5 Freeway during the morning-long investigation. Lanes were closed on the northbound side of the 5 Freeway for the crash investigation.

Three victims suffered moderate injuries and one suffered minor injuries, Orange County fire officials told City News Service. Another victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The crashes left a significant debris field across several freeway lanes.

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