From the Eureka Police Department:

On December 15th at approximately 6:43 PM the Eureka Police Department and Humboldt Bay Firefighters responded to the intersection of Del Norte and I St for a report of an injury traffic collision. Upon arriving at the scene emergency personnel found a 2007 Chevy Malibu and 2001 Toyota Tacoma that were involved in the collision. Parties from both vehicles were transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries. A passenger from the Chevy Malibu was listed as being in critical condition, due to severe injuries sustained in the collision.

Witnesses to the collision reported that the male juvenile driver of the Toyota Tacoma was engaged in an illegal drag race with the female juvenile driver of a red Toyota Corolla just before the collision. Witnesses estimated the speeds of the vehicles to be between 50 and 70 mph northbound on I St. The Chevy Malibu was traveling westbound on Del Norte across I St and was broadsided by the Toyota Tacoma at what appeared to be a high rate of speed. The collision caused the Tacoma to roll over as it continued north on I St and caused the Malibu to collide with a retaining wall at the intersection.

It appears that dangerous speeds (racing) were a major factor in this collision, however alcohol and/or drug influence on the part of the racers has not been ruled out. The investigation into this collision is ongoing.

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to call Traffic Officer Tim Jones at 441.4109.