Two Dead in Fiery Overnight Crash

An autopsy will be scheduled to determine cause of death and to positively identify the victims.

Photo: Salem Fire Department

(SALEM) - Salem Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash that took two lives Saturday night.

At about 11:40 PM a 1990 Acura Integra was seen north bound on Lancaster Drive at very high rate of speed.

Witnesses estimated the speed to be 70-90 MPH, Salem police spokesman Lt. Bill Kohlmeyer said.

At Devonshire, the Integra ran a red light and clipped the front bumper on a 1994 GMC pickup driven by 27-year-old Edmond Mitchell of Salem.

Mitchell was not injured and his pickup received only minor damage.

The Integra then traveled about 100-150 feet north of Devonshire before it struck a power pole on the east side of the street.

The power pole was sheared off and the power lines came to rest on the car, which caused electrical arching and a fire.

The power lines also prevented any rescue efforts until the power could be disconnected, which took approximately 40 minutes.

Once the fire was out it two people were discovered inside deceased.

It is unknown at this time whether they died as a result of the crash or the fire Kohlmeyer said.

They were both taken to Howell Edwards Funeral Home. Neither of the deceased have been positively identified yet and no names are being released.

The crash is being investigated by the Salem Police Department Traffic Unit.

Anyone with information about this crash should contact (503) 588-6171.