An intense search is underway in the Irvine area for a driver who ran away after crashing into two cars, killing a 54-year-old woman and injuring four others, including two children.

Officers and Orange County sheriff’s deputies using bloodhounds are scouring the area of Muirlands Boulevard and Alton Parkway in search of the driver of a black Ford Mustang, according to the Irvine Police Department.

The three-vehicle crash occurred about 9 p.m. Wednesday at the busy Irvine intersection.

Two women and two children, 3 and 6, were in a white Chevy Cruze hit by the Mustang, police said. One woman died and the other was transported to a hospital along with the children, who were seriously injured.

A woman driving a Honda Civic also was treated at a hospital, but later released.

Because of the ongoing search, several streets have been closed and a SigAlert has been issued.

Drivers should expect major delays and heavy traffic congestion Thursday morning.

Anyone with information on the crash is urged to call Det. Jonathan Cherney at (949) 724-7024.

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