A passenger died in a multi-car collision in north Orange County this morning

On April 15, 2024, at approximately 12:11 AM, police officers were dispatched to the area of Orangethorpe Ave. and Harbor Blvd. regarding a traffic collision involving multiple vehicles, according to the Fullerton Police Department.

Upon arrival, the officers located a white BMW 428i, black Chevrolet Silverado and a blue Toyota Rav 4 in the intersection all with significant damage.

The Fullerton Fire Department responded and the passenger of the Toyota Rav 4, a 62-year-old resident of Anaheim, was pronounced deceased on scene. She was later identified as Irma Pedraza.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the BMW 428i was traveling southbound in the number one lane when it struck the rear of the Toyota Rav 4, which was stopped at the red light. The BMW subsequently hit the Chevrolet Silverado on the driver’s side, which was stopped at the red light in the number two lane.

The driver of the Toyota Rav 4, a 22-year-old resident of Anaheim, was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The driver and solo occupant of the Chevrolet Silverado, an 18-year-old resident of Fullerton, was treated and released on scene. The driver and solo occupant of the BMW 428i, a 25-year-old resident of Anaheim, was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The BMW driver’s speed and the use of alcohol and/or drugs are all factors under investigation as possible contributors to the cause of the collision.

The deceased female’s identity will be released later by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.

Accident Investigators are seeking further information from anyone who might have witnessed this collision. Any witnesses with information about this traffic collision are encouraged to contact Fullerton Police Traffic Accident Investigator Feaster at (714) 738-6812 or via email at jfeaster@fullertonpd.org. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or visit their website at www.occrimestoppers.org.