Four people were killed and two were critically injured in a severe car crash near Wrightwood, California, early on Friday. The accident occurred on Highway 2, between Big Pines and Wrightwood, close to the border between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. According to California Highway Patrol Officer Thaniel Ong, the vehicle veered off the road, struck a telephone pole, and rolled down an embankment, ejecting four of the six occupants. The crash was reported around 1:30 a.m., and emergency responders arrived quickly to the scene. All six people involved in the crash are from Wrightwood, a small mountain town with a population of about 5,000 people located north of Los Angeles. Officials noted that most of the individuals were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, and alcohol is believed to have played a role in the accident. The victims included two women and two men. Rescue efforts were complicated by the fact that most of the occupants were found outside the vehicle, and responders initially did not know how many people had been inside. Chris Prater, a public information officer for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, explained that responders discovered five people who had been ejected from the car. A sixth person, who had been wearing a seat belt, removed it and exited the vehicle. Four people were confirmed dead at the scene, while the other two were transported by air ambulance to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where they remain in critical condition. The California Highway Patrol used the incident to emphasize the importance of seat belts and the dangers of impaired driving. They reminded drivers and passengers that seat belts are the most effective way to protect oneself in a crash. The CHP also stressed that driving under the influence is illegal, dangerous, and entirely preventable. They urged people to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using rideshare services, or calling a friend or family member if they plan to drink alcohol.