SalMedina Obituary, Death – A tragic wrong-way collision in Long Beach early Wednesday morning claimed the lives of both drivers involved, following what authorities describe as a high-speed impact. The deadly crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. near the intersection of Seventh Street and Terraine Avenue, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, the incident began when a Honda Civic traveling westbound on Seventh Street at a high rate of speed lost control. The vehicle veered into the oncoming lanes and collided head-on with a Honda Accord moving in the opposite direction. Both vehicles sustained severe damage, and neither driver survived the impact.
In a statement released by the police, investigators indicated that speed likely played a major role in the collision. “The preliminary investigation revealed a Honda Civic sedan was traveling westbound on 7th Street at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then veered into opposing lanes of traffic and collided head-on into a Honda Accord. At this time, speed appears to have been a contributing factor in this collision,” the department said.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, both drivers were pronounced dead at the site of the crash. One of the victims has been identified as Salvador Medina, a 37-year-old resident of Long Beach. He was driving the Honda Accord involved in the crash. The identity of the Civic driver had not been released at the time of the latest police update.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing a loud and violent crash, describing the immediate aftermath as chaotic and unsettling. One bystander told NBCLA, “It was a very loud, intense crash. I saw two cars mangled up.” The force of the impact was so strong that the vehicles were left nearly unrecognizable at the front ends, with debris scattered across the roadway.
Video footage from the scene captured the extent of the wreckage. Both the Honda Civic and the Honda Accord were severely damaged, with their front ends crushed inward from the collision. Debris from the crash, including car parts and personal items, was strewn across the intersection, and first responders worked around the area to clear the scene and document the incident.
In the hours following the collision, members of the community created a small memorial near the crash site, placing flowers, candles, and other items in honor of the lives lost. The memorial has become a somber gathering point for friends, family, and passersby reflecting on the tragedy.
The incident has sparked renewed concern about speeding and road safety in Long Beach. Seventh Street is a major thoroughfare that sees frequent traffic throughout the day, and residents have previously raised concerns about speeding in the area. With this latest crash highlighting the risks of excessive speed, some are calling on city officials to consider new measures to improve safety, such as speed enforcement cameras, traffic calming designs, or increased police patrols.
The Long Beach Police Department continues to investigate the crash and is reviewing any potential surveillance footage from surrounding businesses or traffic cameras. Authorities are also working to notify the family of the second driver and confirm his identity.
While no other vehicles or bystanders were reported to be involved or injured in the crash, the emotional toll has been significant. Community members expressed sorrow over the loss of life, especially given the preventable nature of the crash.
“We see these accidents too often, and they’re almost always caused by someone going too fast or not paying attention,” one resident said near the memorial. “It’s heartbreaking to know that two people died this morning just trying to get where they were going.”
The crash marks yet another reminder of the dangers associated with reckless driving, especially in high-traffic urban areas. Officials are urging drivers to be more mindful of speed limits and road conditions to prevent similar tragedies.
As the investigation moves forward, police are asking anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed the crash to come forward and contact Long Beach Police Department’s Collision Investigation Detail.
For now, the city mourns the loss of two lives and continues to grapple with how best to keep its roads safe for everyone.