Family mourns 3 people killed in West Dallas crash

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Frank Palomos, Miguel Cervantes and Richard Arias (Not pictured: Santos Mendoza)

Three people died and one was rushed to the hospital after a crash in West Dallas that an officer described as one of the worst he’s ever seen.

The crash happened Monday around 8 p.m. near the intersection at Norwich Street and Nomas Street.

Investigators believe Frank Palomo, 17, was speeding southbound on Norwich Street when he hit a dip in the road, lost control and hit an empty parked pickup truck. Palomo was ejected from the Suburban and later died at a hospital.

Palomo’s three passengers were also ejected from the Suburban. Richard Arias, 20, and Santos Mendoza, 24, were also killed in the crash. The fourth person, Miguel Cervantes, 20, was the sole survivor. Family members say all of them were related.

Police say they initially thought the crash may have been the result of street racing but have since ruled it out. Investigators do say speeding was a contributing factor. An officer on scene said in his 12 years of service, he’s never seen a Suburban so severely damaged.

An uncle of the people killed said he had warned them in the past about speeding and street racing.

“Typical teenagers: they liked to go out with friends, do crazy things. But I guess that’s what led to this,” said Daniel Arredondo. “We can just pray to the Lord. Hopefully, we can say they are in a better place, but only God knows that. May they rest in peace.”

Wayne Jones was at work when the Suburban crashed into the pickup truck that was parked near his property. He says the contractor he hired to build a new carport and garage left the truck there overnight to begin work again Tuesday morning.

“I just knew it was a terrific hit to do that kind of damage,” Jones said. “You don't bend solid thick steel like that without a lot of force."

"Sometimes they say life's not fair,” said family friend Cody Zerr. “But God has got better plans."

Cervantes suffered several broken ribs and remains hospitalized at Parkland Hospital but is expected to recover.

Family members say cousins of the victims were following them in another vehicle and witnessed the accident happen. They cooperated with police.

Jones says he is asking the city to consider installing speed bumps.