1 Child Dies, 2nd in Grave Condition After Being Trapped in Submerged Vehicle

A 13-year-old boy died and an 8-year-old child was in grave condition after their family's vehicle that they were in slipped into the ocean and they became trapped inside at the Port of Los Angeles.

Two adults found swimming in the water near Berth 73 were in fair condition, Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

Witnesses say they saw the car go over the edge after 6 p.m. and go straight into the water. Two panicked adults surfaced moments later.

"She was screaming," said Frank Palazzolo, a witness. "He was screaming, 'My kids! My kids!'"

Another witness, Roger Velasco, said he heard the commotion.

"The lady was screaming, like, 'Oh! There's some kids in the water! Kids in the water!'"

Rescue crews arrived in three minutes, the couples' car sinking fast, with two children trapped inside.

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LA Fire Deputy Chief Darren Palacios said a paramedic took off his emergency gear and quickly dived into the water. But divers had a hard time extricating the second patient, Palacios said.

"They were strapped in the car," he said. "Took a little extra time."

The father had been driving the car at the time it ended up in the water. Investigators will try to determine whether the brakes failed, or if the driver may have accidentally hit the accelerator when he meant to hit the brake.

Witnesses were left wondering how such a popular place could lead to tragedy, while others were left with memories they would just as soon forget.

"It's very traumatizing," said Josue Garcia, a witness. "I have two nieces. My sister's a new mother. It's very ... I can't. It's tough."

City Councilman Joe Buscaino, who lives in San Pedro, praised LAFD firefighter Miguel Meza, who jumped into the channel after the car.

"This man is a true hero in the City of Angels and I am so proud of him," Buscaino said on his Facebook account.

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