MPD: 3 killed in high-speed crash near 49th and Oklahoma in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee police confirmed three people were killed in a car crash near 49th Street and Oklahoma Avenue early Thursday.
According to authorities, at around 2:30 a.m., a white BMW with four people was traveling east on Oklahoma Ave. at a high speed when it lost control and collided with two parked cars.
CBS 58 News obtained surveillance video from a neighbor that shows the moment the crash takes place, creating a large explosion. Some minutes later, officials show up to the scene.
“So, it’s first, second, third and the car that hit it was a fourth car," explained Louis Taylor, who said the deadly crash took place right in front of his home." There were cars everywhere...tore up, I mean, just like somebody took a can and just twisted it.”
Milwaukee police say the 22-year-old driver, identified by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office as Justin Reinke, along with two passengers -- 20-year-old Jason Jankowski and 22-year-old Helena Christensen -- were pronounced dead at the scene. A 22-year-old passenger was taken to a local hospital and treated for serious injuries.
"We did everything we can to help them people but thank God when the fire department got that lady out, because even in our own strength, we wouldn’t have got that lady out," he said.
District 11 Alderman Peter Burgelis also told CBS 58 News on Thursday that residents have complained about the Oklahoma Ave. speedway for a long time.
"Thankfully, they didn't injure anyone else or any innocent bystanders," he said. "Unfortunately, district 6 hasn't been able to allocate resources to the 11th district...but I really am concerned about the minimum level of service that our constituents can expect for their tax dollars. One patrol car for 42,000 residents is not enough."
As of Thursday afternoon, the cause of the crash was still under investigation and the names of the victims involved have not yet been released.
"That’s somebody’s children who are not coming home to their parents, and when their parents see them, it will be closed caskets," Taylor added. "What is the leaders of this state doing? They’re not doing nothing.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at (414) 935-7360, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or utilize the P3 Tips online service.