Four Killed After Car Carrying Six Plunges Down Embankment in California

A late-night crash on a California mountain highway has left four people dead and two others seriously injured.

The accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on September 4, 2026, along State Route 2, also known as Angeles Crest Highway, near Wrightwood, California.

A 2016 Hyundai Veloster carrying six people reportedly veered off the roadway, rolled down an embankment and struck a utility pole.

Four occupants were killed in the crash, while two others suffered serious injuries.

Authorities have so far identified three of the victims:

• Rebeka Citlali Cabral Gonzalez, 21
• Jason Potter, 19
• Nevaeh Harper, 20

The California Highway Patrol said that, based on its preliminary investigation, none of the six occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

CHP also said alcohol is suspected to have been a contributing factor. Investigators emphasized that this remains a preliminary conclusion as they continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision.

The crash happened on a notoriously winding and mountainous stretch of roadway, where the vehicle left the road before descending the embankment and hitting the utility pole.

For the families of those killed, the early-morning collision has brought devastating loss, while the two surviving occupants remain hospitalized with serious injuries.

Investigators continue to examine the crash, including the vehicle’s movements, occupant safety restraints and the possible role of alcohol.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet released the identities of the fourth person who died or the two survivors.

Source: NY post