2 dead in Mesa following fiery Southern Avenue crash

Mesa police investigated a fatal traffic collision that occurred just before 12:30 a.m.  Saturday near 1860 W. Southern Ave.

"Investigators determined a westbound vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed struck the rear of a second vehicle that was exiting a private drive, causing the second vehicle to catch fire," a Mesa Police Department release stated.

The driver of the first vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. A juvenile passenger in the second vehicle also died.

Several other occupants sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital, police said.

Officers assisted occupants from the burning vehicle, "and Mesa Fire & Medical credited their actions with preventing further loss of life," the release stated.

Three officers were treated for minor injuries and later released.

No charges will be filed in this case, police said Saturday.