Two women and a man were killed Sunday night and another person was seriously injured when the vehicle they were in struck a tree on Highway 50 near Fresh Pond.

The names of the four have not be released, however the California Highway Patrol identified three being from Southern California and one from out of state.

The Dodge Nitro was going west on the highway about 11:50pm Aug. 30 when the driver failed to make a curve, left the road, went down an embankment and struck a tree. The roof of the vehicle was sheared off. The three who died were not wearing seat belts and were ejected, according to officers. The fourth person was belted in and was able to reach the highway for help.

Alcohol and drugs do appear to be a factor, according to authorities.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report