In Temescal Valley, California, a shocking incident occurred where a driver intentionally rammed his vehicle into a Toyota Prius carrying six teenagers, resulting in the deaths of three of them, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The incident was reported shortly before 10:30 p.m. on a Sunday night near the intersection of Temescal Canyon Road and Trilogy Parkway. CHP investigators determined that two vehicles were traveling southbound on Temescal Canyon Road when the driver of a white Infiniti, identified as 42-year-old Anurag Chandra, of Corona, intentionally used his vehicle as a weapon. He rammed the Prius, causing it to crash into a tree, the CHP reported. Images of the scene showed the devastating impact of the collision.
As a result of this vehicular assault, three teenage boys were killed, and three others were injured. “It was an intentional act,” CHP Lt. David Yokley told reporters at a news conference. “Our investigation led us to believe Mr. Chandra intentionally rammed the Prius, causing the driver to lose control.”
The Prius was occupied by six juveniles at the time of the crime. Three of them became trapped inside the vehicle after it struck the tree. Firefighters worked to free the trapped teens. One boy died at the scene, while two others were pronounced dead while en route to the hospital. Their names were not immediately released pending notification of next of kin.
The CHP reported that Chandra did not remain at the scene or offer assistance to the victims. “The investigation has now changed from a hit-run collision to homicide,” Yokley stated.
A witness reported seeing the accident and followed the suspect to a nearby home, where CHP officers later located and arrested him. The white Infiniti parked in front of the residence had significant front-end damage. Chandra was booked on suspicion of murder with malice and assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the attack. The severity of the charges reflects the intentional nature of the crime and the tragic loss of life.