Two teenagers tragically lost their lives in a car crash on Saturday afternoon in the southeast Las Vegas Valley. The collision occurred around 12:30 pm near the intersection of Pecos Road and Hacienda Avenue.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMPD) reported that a Pontiac G6, carrying two 16-year-old males, disregarded a red light and slammed into another vehicle. The impact caused the Pontiac to careen into a street pole, ejecting both occupants who were not wearing seatbelts.

“The scene is just devastating,” remarked an officer at the accident site. “The car is completely split in half, and unfortunately, that resulted in the deaths of these two young men.”

According to LVMPD, the passenger succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver was rushed to Sunrise Hospital but later pronounced dead.

Speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. The intersection remained closed for several hours as authorities conducted a thorough investigation.

This accident adds to the alarming rise in traffic fatalities this year. LVMPD reports at least 37 people have already perished in crashes within their jurisdiction.

The tragedy comes on the heels of a candlelight vigil held by Nevada State Police on Friday, honoring the 387 lives lost on Nevada roads in 2023, with 90 of those fatalities occurring in Southern Nevada.

Margaret Oliver, who attended the vigil, shared her story of losing her husband in a car accident last year. “Today, I celebrate his life,” she said.

In the wake of this latest incident, LVMPD is urging drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel. Their plea on social media implores motorists to:

• Obey traffic laws
• Reduce speed
• Avoid using phones while driving
• Wear seatbelts
• Stop running red lights

“Clark County residents,” emphasized an officer on the scene, “your choices matter. Make smart decisions to save lives, even your own. It could prevent a tragedy and spare families the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one.”

The impact of these choices goes beyond statistics. As Margaret Oliver poignantly expressed at the vigil, “We, the survivors, learn to cope one day at a time, hoping for the strength to face the next day.”