Two drivers die in violent high-speed car crash in Pierce County

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington — Two drivers were killed on Wednesday in a high-speed accident in which both vehicles burst into flames.

Shortly after midnight, officers with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at the corner of Canyon Road East and 160th Street. When officers arrived on the scene, both vehicles were fully engulfed in flames.

When the fire brigade was able to extinguish the fire, they found both drivers dead.

Before the crash, witnesses said they saw the suspect vehicle attempting to race other cars further south on Canyon Road. A 911 caller said the suspect vehicle appeared to be traveling at 130 mph.

“He sped off like a rocket. The 911 caller said they thought they were going 130 mph,” said Sergeant Darren Moss Jr. of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department. “That's how fast they felt before he collided with another vehicle that was turning left into the intersection.”

“The turning vehicle had a green light, the speeding vehicle had a red light,” added Sergeant Moss. “There were no skid marks on the road, which tells us he did not hit the brakes at all.”

According to investigators, the vehicle involved in the crash turned left to head south on Canyon Road East. The suspect's vehicle was traveling north at a high rate of speed when it ran a red light and struck the other vehicle.

“I don't know who they were. I noticed they were racing me when I accelerated,” said Serina Lara-Schumsky, who called 911. “The BMW lagged a little behind and accelerated like nothing was happening. When I fell, I saw that they were driving extremely fast and almost lost control.”

Lara-Schumsky said she heard an accident further up the road and knew immediately what had happened.

“I accelerate and see the SUV engulfed in flames, the BMW has crashed,” she told KOMO News. “Me and a few other people try to help the person in the BMW, but when the flames break out, there's nothing we can do.”

Witnesses ran to a nearby gas station to get a fire extinguisher, but said they were unable to get much help.

Rescue workers also said the force of the impact was so severe that the other vehicle was pushed up a hill about 75 to 90 meters from the intersection.

“Nobody should drive that fast, especially on these roads where you accelerate and race and have a bit of fun, but that's not OK, you're taking someone else's life,” said Lara-Schumsky. “There are no words to explain how I feel. I was in shock and it hurts that I feel like I should have done more, but I couldn't.”

The Pierce County Coroner has not yet released the identities of the drivers killed.