QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. — One teenager was killed and three more were injured when the car they were driving in crashed into a wall of electrical equipment at Rittenhouse and Riggs road in Queen Creek early Saturday.
The vehicle took a curve badly, a Pinal County sheriff's spokeswoman said and crossed into opposing lanes of traffic before hitting a brick wall and electrical equipment around 4 a.m.
The equipment caught on fire, which spread to the vehicle, the spokeswoman said.
One of the car's passengers, 18-year-old Caleb Rodriguez was killed in the crash. A 16-year-old boy suffered minor injuries and a 17-year-old girl is in critical condition.
Rodriguez's family shared photos of him in celebration of his memory.
Caleb Rodriguez
The fourth passenger, a 13-year-old girl has serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver, later identified as 18-year-old Ezana Tessema, has been booked into Maricopa County Jail on initial charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault.
PCSO spokesperson says speed and impairment are being investigated as likely factors.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.