Full Notification

On October 06, 2017, at approximately 5:46 p.m., officers from the Torrance Police Department responded to a major traffic collision involving three vehicles on Prairie Avenue at 182nd Street.  

On arrival, officers discovered that a black, 1997 BMW 850 CI coupe had initially collided with a silver, 2001 Chevrolet Impala, and then a Gold, 2003 Toyota Camry. 

Based on witness statements, the initial investigation indicates the BMW Coupe was travelling southbound on Prairie Avenue at a high rate of speed, passing several vehicles in both the number one and number two lanes, when it collided with the Chevrolet Impala as it was attempting to pass around the Chevrolet.  After colliding with the Chevrolet, the driver of the BMW lost control of the vehicle and struck the east curb of Prairie Avenue.  The BMW continued out of control, crossing over into the northbound lanes of Prairie Avenue where it collided with the Toyota Camry, who was traveling northbound on Prairie Avenue.   The driver and sole occupant of the Chevrolet, a 57-year-old male resident of Harbor City was not injured in the collision. The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota, a 22year-old female resident of Inglewood was treated for minor injuries at the scene by Torrance Fire Department Personnel and transported to a local hospital for additional examinations. 

The sole passenger in the BMW, a 10 year-old female resident of Inglewood was treated by Torrance Fire Department Personnel at the scene and transported to a local hospital where she underwent surgery for her injuries, and is listed in critical condition. The passenger of the BMW has been identified, but her name is being withheld pending family notification. The driver of the BMW, a 55-year-old male resident of Inglewood was not injured in the collision.  Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the collision, and the driver of the BMW was subsequently arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and causing great bodily injury to another person.  

Prairie Avenue was closed in both directions between 182nd Street and Artesia Boulevard for approximately five and a half hours during the collision investigation.

This collision is being investigated by the Torrance Police Department’s Traffic Division under the command of Captain Martin Vukotic, Commander of the Special Operations Bureau.  Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact the Torrance Police Department’s Traffic Division at (310) 618-5557.

SERGEANT DAVID KOENIG

ACTING TRAFFIC AND SPECIAL EVENTS DIVISION COMMANDER

“See Something, Say Something”

Emergency 9-1-1

Non-Emergency: 310-328-3456

 Provided By:
Torrance Police Department –
Community Affairs Division
310-618-6391 or 310-618-6392
www.Police.TorranceCA.Gov
www.YouTube.com/TPDCommAffairs
www.Facebook.com/TorrancePD
www.Twitter.com/TorrancePD