No Seatbelts in Fatal Crash Near Pleasant Valley Middle School

A one car accident near Pleasant Valley Middle School left one dead and five others seriously injured. Like something from a movie scene, the driver lost control of the 1994 Mercedes C280 sedan and drove off the side of the road while going around a bend in the small two lane road. He crashed into a 150 foot pine tree and burst into flames. Five people in the car were ejected, according to California Highway Patrol Sgt. Michael Poore. One awoke to flames covering his vision, managed to open a window and crawled out. The driver, Joe Griffin, died at the scene. He was 20 years old. One passenger was in critical condition with burns covering his lower body. The four other passengers suffered major injuries, including broken bones. None of the occupants were wearing seatbelts.