Two men killed in high-speed crash near Chico gas station identified

CHICO, Calif. — Update, April 13, 6 p.m.:

Officials with the Chico Police Department have confirmed further details about the double-fatal crash early Thursday morning, including the identifies of those involved.

The crash occurred near Eaton Road and the Esplanade just after 3:30 a.m. Thursday morning. Police said a sports car collided with a semi-truck and caused a fire at the gas station near the intersection.

Police confirmed the driver of the sports car, 21-year-old Tanner Russell, was pronounced dead at the scene when officers arrived. However, Russell's passenger, 18-year-old Eduardo Medina, was air-lifted to U.C. Davis and succumbed to his injuries a few hours later.

Based on surveillance footage, police estimate Russell was traveling 80 to 100 mph at the time of the crash. However, a few hours before the crash, police said Medina shared a photo to Snapchat showing the car's speedometer reaching over 130 mph.

Officials confirmed the driver inside the semi-truck was not injured in the crash.

This remains a developing story. Check back for updates.

--

Update, April 13, 5:17 a.m.:

Chico Police are investigating a fatal collision at the intersection of Eaton Rd and the Esplanade. The collision occurred at about 3:35 a.m. and involved a sports car and a semi-truck, according to the Chico Police Department.

Chico Fire assisted by extinguishing a fire which resulted from the collision near the gas station at the location, officials said. They said there is currently no threat to the community.

The Chico Police Major Accident Investigation Team has arrived on-scene and is beginning their detailed investigation.

The intersection at Eaton Road and Esplanade has limited traffic lanes open. Police were unable to provide an estimate for how long until the intersection is fully reopen.

"The Chico Police Department recognizes this intersection as a major artery of vehicular traffic for our community while travelling to work and school," CPD Sgt. Uebelhardt said. "We will work to have the roadway fully opened as soon as possible. The CPD would ask that citizens please use alternate routes to avoid the intersection until the roadway is reopened."

No other details about the drivers or any fatalities are available at this time.

This is a developing story.

--

Breaking Report, April 14, 4 a.m.:

This morning, KRCR is receiving reports of a fire that broke out at a gas station.

Early Thursday morning, we received reports of a vehicle that crashed into a Chevron gas pump on 156 E Eaton Road.

We are currently attempting to make contact with Chico authorities to confirm additional details.

This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.