THORNTON, Colo. (KDVR) — Three people were killed in a crash early Saturday morning in Thornton.

According to the Thornton Police Department, the crash occurred about 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of East 120th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.

Thornton police say the crash involved five vehicles, three of which were hit after the initial crash. 

According to police, a Subaru was going westbound on 120th when it collided in the intersection with a suburban going southbound on Colorado. Police believe one of the two drivers ran a red light, but they’re not sure which one. 

The driver of the Subaru was killed, as were the driver and passenger of the suburban. 

An investigation is underway. Authorities believe high speed was a factor in the crash. 

Thornton Police say at this point, they do not believe street racing was a contributing factor to the crash. 

Neighbors however, say street racing has been a major problem on that stretch of road for years.

“It’s nothing new, it’s constantly happening here,” says Jenna Hirsch. “It’s like as soon as the light turns green, they’re off the starting line.”
Hirsch says she called 911 around midnight Friday night, after hearing two cars racing down 120th. 

“Go to a raceway, go to one of the many tracks in Colorado, stay off the roads,” she says. “You’re killing people, you’re damaging property, it doesn’t need to be like this.”

Down the block, Noah Mason says he’s constantly waking up on weekend nights to the sounds of cars flying down 120th.

“I’m afraid one of these days I’m going to wake up, and somebody’s going to be dead, wrapped around one of the trees in my backyard,” he says.

Both are asking Thornton police to step up patrols in the area.

“The police officers need to do a better job, we need the help. That’s all there is too it,” says Mason. 

Late Saturday night, Thornton Police released this statement on the crash.

The victims’ names have not yet been released.

The intersection was closed following the crash. It reopened about 7:45 a.m.