Witnesses have described the harrowing scene of a McLaren supercar crashing into a tree and bursting into flames, killing two people in Irvine, California.
James Wehr, 27, the founder of the popular car gathering South OC Cars and Coffee, died in the fiery single-vehicle crash that occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday. Another individual was also killed, according to authorities.
Investigators stated that the McLaren was stopped at a traffic light and accelerated northbound after the light turned green. The high-performance vehicle was reportedly traveling at a high speed when the driver lost control, causing it to strike a curb before crashing into a tree. The impact was so severe that the car split in two and caught fire.
"I was about to go to bed, and then I heard a big like, skrrrr and then a big boom. Me and my friends come out. Ginormous fire," a witness identified as Sid told ABC7. "The whole car is just gone."
Emergency responders and the Orange County Fire Authority arrived at the scene following reports of the wreck. "When the fire was put out, they were found deceased inside their vehicle," said Irvine Police Department representative Kyle Oldoerp.
Wehr's family members have identified him as one of the victims. The Orange County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the identities of the deceased. The circumstances leading up to the crash are currently under investigation, and it is unclear if any other vehicles were involved.
Wehr had spent the day participating in car culture events, attending one of the regular South OC Cars and Coffee meetups earlier that day. He had also reportedly posted a photo on Instagram showing a police cruiser behind his vehicle in Newport Beach just hours before the fatal collision.
His wife, Emma Wehr, posted a tribute to her husband on social media, sharing photos of the couple. "James, I never thought the day would come that I’d have to say such a final goodbye. Getting the opportunity to love you will always be the greatest blessing in my life," she wrote. "You’re smart, kind, funny, loving, and genuinely one of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing."