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DUI Suspect Crashes Into Taco Truck During CHP Pursuit, Killing 2

BOYLE HEIGHTS (CBS) — A suspected drunken driver being pursued by the California Highway Patrol was apprehended on Saturday following a deadly collision with food truck in Boyle Heights.

The fiery crash happened directly in front of a fire station. It killed two people and injured three others.

"Firefighters inside the fire station heard a loud crash, came outside and saw two vehicles that had collided. It turns out that we have five patients total, two of them are deceased at this time. The CHP and LAPD are on scene investigating," said LAFD Capt. Rick Godinez.

Just before the crash, CHP officers were in pursuit of a driver in a white Toyota Camry. The chase ensued about 11:20 p.m. after officers noticed the driver swerving while traveling east on the 10 Freeway near Alameda.

It continued to the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway and ended near Cesar Chavez Avenue when authorities say the woman plowed her car into a white truck that was towing a taco truck.

Two female customers, ages 38 and 19, were pronounced dead at the scene. The younger victim was identified as Marlene Alatorre. The older woman was identified as Claudia Fernandez, a mother of four.

Three people inside the truck were injured, two of which were taken to area hospitals for treatment of minor injuries. One was pregnant.

The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Elba Jimenez, was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI. Jimenez, an Upland resident, had minor injuries.

She is expected to face other charges, including vehicular manslaughter.

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