Three U.S. Marines killed in a solo-car crash in Dana Point have been identified, military officials said Thursday.
Sgt. Jeremiah Callahan, Cpl. Jason Chleborad and Cpl. Christopher Arzola were traveling at a high-rate of speed on Gold Lantern Street at about 2 a.m. when the Dodge Stratus they were riding in crashed into a palm tree.
"I was sound asleep and I heard what sounded like a concussion, a bang, and I wasn't sure if I was dreaming so I opened the blinds and had to check it out," said witness Tim James.
The two Marines riding in the back were killed instantly. Rescue workers needed 20 minutes using the Jaws of Life to get the driver and front-seat passenger out of the vehicle.
Both men were taken to the hospital.
The passenger did not survive. The driver, who is also a Marine, remains in serious condition as of Thursday, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.
All four men were based in Camp Pendleton.
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The cause of the collision is currently under investigation.
