Full Notification

Yesterday, January 15, 2011 at 2:43 p.m., the Newport Beach Police Department Communications Bureau received a telephone call reporting a multiple vehicle traffic collision at Riverside Avenue and West Coast Highway. Members of the Newport Beach Police Department and Fire Department arrived at the location and discovered ten vehicles had been involved in a violent traffic collision. Newport Beach Fire Department supervisors immediately initiated their Mass Casualty Incident protocol. Julie Allen, the female adult driver of a tan Ford Taurus, Christopher De La Cruz, the male adult driver of a white Toyota Tacoma pick up, and his lone female adult passenger, Linda Burnett immediately expired during the impact of the collision. Three other individuals were injured. One critically injured individual was transported to Western Medical Center and is expected to recover from his injuries. Two other individuals were transported to Hoag Hospital with minor injuries. Allen was the sole occupant of her vehicle.

A preliminary investigation by the Police Department’s traffic investigators indicates Allen’s vehicle was driving at an excessive rate of speed eastbound on West Coast Highway when it crossed into the opposing lanes of traffic striking a Toyota Prius and a white Ford Taurus. Allen’s vehicle continued in the opposing lanes of traffic and struck a Nissan Titan pickup before hitting the passenger door of the white Toyota Tacoma pick up occupied by Christopher De La Cruz and Linda Burnett who was turning from southbound Riverside Avenue onto eastbound West Coast Highway. This collision propelled Allen’s vehicle into the air where it landed in the southbound turn lane for a private restaurant from westbound West Coast Highway. Upon landing, Allen’s vehicle struck several other vehicles including a motorcycle. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is ongoing.

Any persons with information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the Investigator Bill Beverly at (949) 644-3747.