Violent Crash Kills 3 in Paramount

A Chevy Tahoe burst into flames after first hitting the curb, then a fire hydrant, then a light post and finally rolling and catching fire at about 1 a.m. in Paramount.

It appears the driver was going too fast in a 35-mph zone, said LA County Sheriff Detective Mark Campbell.

"Definitely more than 60 mph, possibly upwards of 90 to 100," Det. Campbell said. "But we won't know for sure until we complete the investigation."

"I was just on my phone on my room and I heard a big bang," said April Davis who lives near the crash site. "I stepped out onto my balcony and I just saw flames everywhere and a lot of smoke."

There were no obvious signs of alcohol, only an obvious sign the car was traveling too fast around a curve in the road, just before the 105 Freeway overpass, according to investigators. The young adults, all in their mid-20s according to deputies, were headed southbound on Downey Avenue. The crash happened at the intersection with Somerset Ranch Road.

"I saw bodies," said Davis, "and this guy out here crying on the ground."

Five people were ejected from the SUV, two of them died. A third fatality was a woman inside the Tahoe.  Three others were taken to the hospital in serious condition but expected to survive.

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