VAN NUYS : 1 Killed, 1 Hurt as Car Crashes Into a Tree
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One woman was killed and another was critically injured Tuesday when their car swerved out of control in Van Nuys and smashed into a tree, authorities said.
Denniz C. Koguchi, 20, of Arleta was killed in the 1:24 p.m. accident at Burbank Boulevard near Sepulveda Basin where the two women’s vehicle struck a tree and broke into two pieces, said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Koguchi was riding in the passenger seat and was thrown from the car. She was declared dead at the scene, Humphrey said.
The driver, Florence Macleod, 19, of Van Nuys had to be extricated from the wreckage. She was wearing a seat belt, Humphrey said.
“That seat belt definitely helped her survive the crash,” said Humphrey.
Macleod, who was in a coma late Tuesday, was listed in critical condition at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, authorities said.
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