6 hospitalized in downtown Long Beach crash

Six people were hospitalized after a crash in downtown Long Beach Saturday.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Long Beach Boulevard and Ocean Boulevard, across from the Long Beach Terrace Theater, shortly before 1:30 a.m.

Two vehicles with heavy damage were found at the scene — a gray Kia Rio sedan and a black Honda Civic Sport sedan.

A preliminary investigation by Long Beach police indicated that a vehicle with five women inside was heading eastbound on Ocean Boulevard. As they turned left onto Long Beach Boulevard, it was struck by a vehicle with a single male driver inside.

The impact sent the Kia crashing into a traffic pole in the center median and the Honda landed on a sidewalk across the street.

Six people were transported to the hospital with varying injuries. At least one woman was transported in critical but stable condition. Police did not confirm which passengers were inside each vehicle.

Photos from the scene showed both cars sustained severe damage to the front ends. A large amount of auto debris was scattered across the intersection.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Police said speed and impaired driving are being considered as factors.

No further details, including the drivers’ identities, were released.