4 killed in fiery single-vehicle crash in Long Beach

Authorities say speed and impairment are being investigated as possible factors in the collision.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Four people were killed early Saturday morning when a gray sedan crashed into a concrete median inside a tunnel in Long Beach, California. The car caught fire after the collision, and all four passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are looking into speed and impairment as possible causes of the crash.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about reckless driving and speeding in the Long Beach area, particularly in tunnels and other high-risk locations. The NTSB's involvement suggests the crash may have broader implications for highway safety policies and enforcement.

The details

According to authorities, the crash occurred around 1:18 a.m. on East Spring Street and Lakewood Boulevard. The gray sedan left the southbound lanes of Lakewood Boulevard and slammed into a concrete median inside the tunnel underneath the airport, causing the car to catch fire. Firefighters found four people inside the vehicle, all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses described the scene as "mangled" and "a mess", with firefighters attempting to extinguish the blaze and remove bodies from the wreckage.

  • The crash occurred around 1:18 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Long Beach Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the crash.

Long Beach Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the incident and attempted to extinguish the blaze.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The federal agency that is now investigating the crash alongside the Long Beach Police Department, likely due to the road's history or proximity to the airport.

Victoria Payne

A Long Beach resident who expressed concerns about speeding and reckless driving in the area, particularly in the tunnels.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was just mangled. It looked like a mess. Firefighters were there just trying to do their best to extinguish it. I believe they even dragged a body out of the vehicle as well.”

— Unidentified Witness (yahoo.com)

“At this time, speed and impairment are being investigated as possible factors in the collision.”

— Long Beach Police Department, Statement (yahoo.com)

“I've personally experienced a lot of young drivers over here who are racing through those particular tunnels, even though other one on the opposite side.”

— Victoria Payne, Long Beach Resident (yahoo.com)

“The NTSB regularly investigates roadway and highway crashes to identify safety issues that could have nationwide impacts and to develop recommendations to prevent similar crashes.”

— National Transportation Safety Board, Statement (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The NTSB says a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a final report possibly taking a year or more.

The takeaway

This tragic crash highlights the ongoing issue of reckless driving and speeding in the Long Beach area, particularly in high-risk locations like tunnels. The NTSB's involvement suggests the incident may have broader implications for highway safety policies and enforcement, with the hope that the investigation will lead to changes that prevent similar crashes in the future.