Authorities identified 22-year-old Evelin Salas Melgoza as the woman who lost her life following a fiery crash on the San Bernardino (10) Freeway Wednesday in West Covina while officers arrested 19-year-old Noe L Manzanarez on suspicion of DUI.
The fatal three-vehicle wreck was reported at 12:02 a.m. on the eastbound 10 Freeway, just west of Azusa Avenue. According to the investigation reports, Melgoza stopped her 2019 Nissan Sentra in the No. 1 lane due to heavy traffic and a Rancho Cucamonga man had stopped a 2007 Ford F-350 in the No. 2 lane.
On the other hand, 19-year-old Noe L Manzanarez, from Palmdale, was driving a 2002 Toyota Camry at an unsafe speed for changing traffic conditions. The Toyota rear-ended the Sentra causing and causing another vehicle to strike the pickup. On arrival, responders found three damaged vehicles that were involved in the accident and one of the vehicles was on fire.
Melgoza suffered major injuries and was declared dead at the scene. Evelin Salas Melgoza reportedly died from the combined effects of blunt force trauma, inhalation of products of combustion and thermal burns. Manzanarez received minor injuries and was taken into custody. Alcohol is suspected to be involved in the crash. No other details are available.
An investigation continues.
May 2, 2022
Source: Fox 11 Los Angeles