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NORTH OGDEN — A small memorial has started to form out in Ogden. There's also some graffiti on the street, apparently in memory of the two teens who died Saturday.
It happened so quickly during the early morning hours, that North Ogden Police Chief Dirk Quinney says an officer didn't have time to decide whether to back off or pursue the car.
This started with what should have been a traffic stop for some minor violations. Instead, police say the car suddenly took off.
Within seconds, Quinney says the car appeared to be airborne, and that the officer reported seeing some sparks.
The car collided with a tree, near 450 East, and 3100 North. That officer then had to rush in for life-saving measures.
"Tough situation for that officer to see that unfold in front of him and then you know, get up to the car and see … have to deal with the aftermath," Quinney said.
Two teens died at the scene. The other three, including the driver, are recovering in the hospital and are expected to be OK.
All of them are 16- and 17-year-old boys from Ogden. The two who died went to Ogden and George Washington High Schools. The Ogden School district had counseling available today at both schools, as well as two area junior high schools.
Police say they found marijuana and alcohol inside the car. Toxicology screening on the driver's blood can take up to a month or more.
Quinney says officers feel for the families involved and are hoping for a quick recovery.