Driver killed in fiery crash into Newport Beach Army-Navy store was 20-year-old man

A driver killed when a luxury car burst into flames after slamming into an Army-Navy surplus store in Newport Beach on Sunday night was a 20-year-old man, according to the Orange County coroner’s office. His identity was not released.

Authorities responded about 10:55 p.m. to a report of the crash at West Coast Highway and 61st Street, according to Heather Rangel, a spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Police Department. An Infiniti G35 had crashed into a corner of the South Coast Army and Navy Surplus store. The car was traveling west at the time of the crash, according to police Sgt. Bryan Gregson.

Fire crews quickly extinguished the flames and found a body in the twisted, smoking wreckage, Rangel said.

Video of the scene shows the mangled vehicle on the sidewalk outside the store, which did not appear to have been damaged. The store was open Tuesday.

Rangel said no other vehicles were involved in the crash. It was not immediately clear whether speeding or alcohol may have contributed to the crash, which police are investigating.

Gregson described the area as having a “dramatic curve.”

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde writes for the Los Angeles Times. Hillary Davis is a Daily Pilot staff writer. City News Service contributed to this report.

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