(May 16, 2004) -- A serious ELB traffic accident -- in which a driver's receipt of a cellular phone "text message" may be a factor -- took place at roughly 1:47 a.m. on Sunday May 16 in the 3600 block of Bellflower Blvd. (between Monlaco Rd. and Conant St.). A car on northbound Bellflower Blvd. allegedly struck four teenagers who were refueling their disabled car on the shoulder of Bellflower Blvd.

Photo: Wayne Chaney, LBFD

LBPD says five teens were standing next to a car that ran out of gas and was parked on east curb of Bellflower Blvd. south of Conant St. Four were hit and transported to area hospitals -- two in critical condition.

Photo: Wayne Chaney, LBFD

LBPD says its investigation indicates that the driver of the oncoming vehicle, an 18 year old Lakewood man, had just received a text message on a cell phone while driving.

LBPD says its investigators do not believe alcohol was a factor in the events.

LBFD Public Information Officer Wayne Chaney says Rescue 9, 10 and 19 responded within three minutes and provided advanced life support on arrival and during transport. Also responding was Truck 17, Battalion Chief 2 (Bob Espinosa).

Anyone with with information regarding this collision is asked to call LBPD Accident Investigations Detective Kevin Bradburn at (562) 570-7358.