White Jeep driver flees after killing man, infant in Playa del Rey crash

A white Jeep driver fled the scene of a pre-dawn crash in Playa del Rey early Sunday that killed a 25-year-old man and a 1-year-old, leaving two others in critical condition, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The crash drew fresh attention to a coastal corridor that local residents say has long been plagued by dangerous speeding, where witnesses report vehicles routinely reaching 70 to 90 miles per hour, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The collision occurred just after 4:30 a.m. at the intersection of Vista Del Mar and Culver Boulevard, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. A white Jeep struck another vehicle at the intersection, and the driver left without stopping to render aid.

The 25-year-old man, a front passenger in the struck vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 1-year-old was transported to a hospital, where the child later died. A 27-year-old man and a young girl remained hospitalized in critical condition, ABC7 reported.

The Jeep driver has not been located. Authorities have not publicly identified any of the victims or described the relationship between those riding in the struck vehicle.

One woman who has lived near the corridor for nearly 50 years told ABC7 that dangerous driving on the stretch is routine. "I've seen people hit 70, 80, 90 in this strip," she said. "They really think it's Le Mans. They're clueless and they don't care."

Police remained at the scene for several hours after the crash. Investigators have not released additional details about the striking vehicle beyond its white color and Jeep model.

Police are asking anyone with information about the vehicle or driver to contact authorities. The investigation is ongoing.