ktvu's eric savidge explains why police were chasing the car when the accident happened. >> reporter: the violent crash currentled this 1990 buick sedan, the car slammed into i concrete divider and burst into flames. three people inside were killed on impact, one woman survived. >> we found some of the parties ejected or partially ejected, which tells us as investigators that they were improperly restrained inside the car. >> reporter: this accident happened just about 3:00 a.m. on the 98 avenue off-ramp from north 880 in oakland. investigators say this car was traveling fast when it lost control on the curve and if you look closely, you can see it was split into two pieces. and san leandro police say they were chasing this car when the crash happened. they say an officer saw the car driving erratically through the parking lot of this food max store and tried to pull the driver over, but the car took off and police pursued. after the crash, investigators searched the car. >> we did find some beverage containers for alcoholic beverages. however, we do not now if impairment is an issue.