Passenger dies after stolen Kia hits tree in San Jose in fiery crash

SAN JOSE, Calif. - A passenger inside a stolen Kia died Monday morning after San Jose police said the driver of the car struck a tree, which burst into flames.

The driver is still at large. 

Police said officers responded to a solo collision near Meridian Avenue and Woodruff Drive at about 1:30 a.m. 

Police said the driver of a stolen Kia sedan was traveling north on Meridian when they lost control and struck a tree. Police say it appears as though the driver might have been speeding.

The Kia became engulfed in flames. 

SEE ALSO: Body found in burning car in Oakland hills

When the fire was put out, police spokesperson Steve Aponte said that crews found that a passenger was inside. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver fled the scene and still hasn't been found, according to Aponte.

A day earlier, a motorcyclist was killed in another San Jose crash.

On Sunday, San Jose police responded to a solo motorcycle collision near Old Oakland Road and Golden Wheel Park Drive. 

Police said it appeared as though the motorcyclist was speeding and struck an unoccupied parked pickup truck.

The man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The two fatalities mark the 18th and 19th traffic deaths of 2023. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the driver had died.