2 dead when stolen vehicle hits San Jose streetlight

The child driver of a stolen vehicle slammed into a San Jose streetlight early Friday, killing two passengers when the vehicle burst into flames, police said.

The driver, who was only identified as a male minor, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, the San Jose Police Department said.

The crash happened around 4:20 a.m. near Cottle and Blossom Hill roads, police said.

The 2018 Hyundai sedan, which was reported stolen in Santa Clara County, was apparently traveling at high speed when it veered off the road and hit a lamp post, police said. The vehicle caught fire.

One passenger was pronounced dead at the scene and a female passenger died after being transported to an area hospital, officials said.

The driver of the vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was arrested and held in Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of operating a stolen vehicle and two counts of manslaughter.

The incident represents the first fatal crash of 2023 in San Jose, police said.