Two pedestrians died after a New Year's Day car crash in Lemon Grove Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
The crash happened just after 11 a.m. at the intersection of Broadway and Buena Vista Avenue.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, two cars collided, and one hit two people who were crossing the street. Both victims — a 19-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man who have not yet been publicly identified — died at the scene, SDSO said.
The drivers of the involved vehicles were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
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The cause of the crash is still being investigated. It's not known whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
Nearly 100 Haitian community members of Lemon Grove came out to give support to the families and friends of the two killed. Family told NBC 7 the two victims were cousins.
"They grew up together since they were kids," said Jean Morancy, brother-in-law of the 20-year-old man. "They came to the states together and had been here for just 10 months."
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Resident Pamela Waller lives nearby and says she heard the crash but only saw the aftermath.
"I heard a whole commotion of just crashing of cars," Waller said. "It's just sad two people unfortunately lost their lives. I feel sorry for their families. My condolences go out to them."
Baptist Church Pastor Johny Oxeda came to the scene of the crash. Many of the bystanders are part of his congregation.
"It's so sad, especially as a migrant. These people come because they are afraid of dying in my country," Oxeda said.
Oxeda says the two people killed came by the church on Tuesday to sign up for a seminar conducted by law enforcement. The purpose is to familiarize migrants with local laws and customs.
"It's going to be sad news for the congregation, not just for the congregation but the Haitian community in San Diego," Oxeda said.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for the latest information.
