Three killed in crash during illegal street race in Dorado are identified

The three people who lost their lives in the crash included a young female passenger in a car that was struck, and two young men who were run over, by a vehicle allegedly engaged in an illegal street race.

By The Star Staff

The police on Monday identified the three young people who died in a fatal accident that occurred at midnight on Sunday on highway PR-2 in Dorado, where an illegal race was taking place.

According to the police report, the victims were Joelys Santos Sánchez, 21, who was traveling as a passenger in a Toyota Corolla, and pedestrians José M. Cartagena Rosario, 19, and Kevin Torres González, 21, who were watching the race and were hit by the vehicle that allegedly initiated the accident.

The crash occurred at the road’s 26.5 kilometer mark, in the eastbound direction, near a restaurant and an auto parts store. Police said Yamaveh Rivera Hernández, 26, a resident of Toa Baja, was driving a wine-colored 2012 Acura LX and was allegedly participating in an illegal race when he lost control of the vehicle.

Rivera Hernández hit a gold Mazda Protege that was trying to merge onto the road and then crashed into a 2001 Toyota Corolla driven by Yarelis Torres Alicea, 20, a pregnant woman, who was unharmed. After the impact, the Acura overturned and ran over several pedestrians who were watching the race.

The driver suffered minor injuries and had .10 percent alcohol in his system in the test performed. He was summoned as part of the investigation, which is in the hands of the Prosecutor’s Office. In addition to the deceased, three people were injured with fractures and are receiving medical attention.