Two Killed, One Critically Injured in 405 Freeway Crash With Wrong Way Driver

Two Killed, One Critically Injured in 405 Freeway Crash With Wrong Way Driver
Traffic on California's 405 freeway on Oct. 13, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
City News Service
2/21/2022
Updated:
2/21/2022

SEAL BEACH, Calif.—The coroner has released the names of two people killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the San Diego (405) Freeway on the morning of Feb. 20 in Seal Beach triggered by a wrong-way motorist.

The crash occurred just before 1:30 a.m. on the southbound San Diego Freeway just north of the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway, according to California Highway Patrol Officer O. Renteria.

“Officers located a collision involving seven vehicles, including two black Honda Civics which were believed to have collided as a result of the wrong way driving,” Renteria said. One of the cars was driven northbound in the southbound lanes.

The deceased were identified as 21-year-old Humberto Arteaga Jr. III of La Puente and 30-year-old Steven Harvey of Midway City.

Arteaga was the driver of a 2016 Honda Civic and Harvey was the passenger in a 2012 Honda Civic, according to the information provided by the California Highway Patrol and coroner.

The 2012 Civic’s driver, a 28-year-old Rancho Palos Verdes resident, suffered major injuries and was taken by paramedics to Long Beach Memorial Hospital.

Two people were evaluated for injuries at the scene but chose not to be taken to a hospital, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Greg Barta.

The investigation continued, and Renteria asked that anyone with information call the Westminster California Highway Patrol office at 714-892-4426.