2 seriously injured after car plows into business in Downey strip mall

DOWNEY, Calif. - Two males in their 20s were injured early Monday morning when the car they were in crashed into a tree, a utility box and into a business in a Downey strip mall, authorities said.

The crash was at 1:45 a.m. on Paramount Boulevard south of Telegraph Road, Downey police Sgt. Nathan Weinrich said.

The car caught fire after crashing through the window into the business, Weinrich said. The two occupants, both males, "sustained some pretty serious injuries," he said.

Firefighters put out the flames and paramedics took the patients to hospitals where they were in critical condition, according to reports from the scene.

It was not known whether speed or alcohol were involved but the crash remained under investigation, Weinrich said.

Paramount Boulevard was closed between Telegraph Road and Vista del Rosa, he said.