by A tragic wrong-way crash in the Antelope Valley claimed the life of a 9-year-old boy and left a teenage girl seriously injured on Tuesday evening. Authorities believe alcohol may have played a role in the collision.
The crash occurred around 5:45 p.m. on July 30, along 200th Street East, just south of Avenue G in the Hi-Vista area, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Investigators say 23-year-old Christian Powell of Victorville was driving a Dodge Challenger southbound on 200th Street when he reportedly drifted into oncoming traffic. As he attempted to correct his direction by steering left, a northbound Honda — driven by 19-year-old Aileen Mendoza of Lancaster — also swerved right in an attempt to avoid a collision. The two vehicles ended up crashing head-on.
Inside Mendoza’s vehicle were two passengers — 9-year-old Israel Mendoza and a 14-year-old girl. Israel was pronounced dead at the scene. The teenage girl sustained major injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Powell was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.
“All individuals involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts; however, whether the seatbelts were being worn properly is being investigated,” CHP officials said in a statement.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the CHP Antelope Valley Area office at 661-743-6060 during business hours. After hours, the Los Angeles Traffic Management Center can be reached at 323-259-3200.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
