Bystanders wasted no time jumping into action with buckets of water and fire extinguishers Saturday after two people became trapped in a fiery crash in Woodland Hills that left three dead.
At least eight people were treated, and five were taken to the hospital, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. Three people were killed, and two were seriously hurt in the fiery four-car wreck that witnesses said consumed the intersection.
"It was a huge sound and there was fire and there was a lot of panic," said Sherry Younesi. "Everyone was trying to flee the scene."
The crash occurred at 20900 Ventura Blvd. just before 10 p.m. Two of the vehicles may have been parked, fire officials said.
A Mustang traveling westbound on Ventura Boulevard struck a white Mercedes Benz pulling out of a gas station and then collided with a Chevrolet Malibu. The Mustang then skidded across and slammed into a parked Honda Accord, officials said.
Three people inside the Mustang were killed. Three people involved refused treatment at the scene of the crash.
One vehicle caught fire, trapping two people inside, fire officials said.
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"We heard a big bang and I looked out the window and there's a huge fire," said Jenny Eliav. "I really thought it was a bombing."
Bystanders used buckets of water and extinguishers to fend off the flames until firefighters arrived, LAFD said.
The two drivers involved in the crash remain in serious condition.
Witnesses said speeding and racing is a problem in the area.
The cause of the crash was under investigation.
