by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Guam Police Department's Highway Patrol Division believes speed was definitely a factor in Sunday morning's traffic fatality in Yigo. The driver of a Lexus SUV slammed into a concrete utility pole near the Yigo Fire Station. The car nearly split in half upon impact and caught fire with the female operator inside.

Police this afternoon identified the victim as 31-year-old Denise Chang of Tamuning. An autopsy conducted today confirms the woman died from multiple injuries. Medical examiner Dr. Aurelio Espinola confirming the woman's death was instantaneous.

Based on the extent of injuries, Espinola believes she was speeding at more than 70 miles per hour. Toxicology samples were taken to determine if she was under influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.