The 22-year-old BMW driver was arrested and later released. (Representative photo)
Four students from Pepperdine University in the US were killed after being hit by an out-of-control BMW. The incident happened along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on Tuesday around 8:30 p.m., according to the New York Post. All four victims were women, all seniors. Police identified the BMW driver as 22-year-old Fraser Michael Bohm. He was driving along the highway at a high rate of speed when he lost control and crashed into several parked vehicles and then into a group of young women, police said.
The students were identified by school officials as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
“To the students who loved, lived and fellowshipped with the deceased members of our Pepperdine family, my heart is broken with yours. I join you in your grief as we process this profound loss,” Pepperdine President Jim Gash told the newspaper. school community in a statement.
“In the days ahead, we will come together in meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the lives of the remarkable individuals lost to this unthinkable tragedy,” Gash said.
Local news outlet KTLA reported that Bohm got out of the vehicle unharmed and was tackled to the ground by several people.
Two other people were injured in the accident and rushed to hospital, police said, adding that their conditions remain unknown.
Bohm was arrested on charges of manslaughter with gross negligence. However, he was released due to lack of evidence, Fox 11 reported.
The police are also investigating whether he was driving under the influence.
The crash occurred about four miles (6.4 kilometers) north of Pepperdine’s campus.
