Investigators ask for the public’s help to determine what led to a head-on crash that killed seven children and two adults in central California on New Year’s Day.
FRESNO, Calif. – Investigators are asking the public to help determine what led to a head-on crash that killed seven children and two adults in central California on New Year’s Day.
The California Highway Patrol says anyone who reported Friday’s fiery crash on rural State Route 33 came to the scene after the collision. The CHP hopes to speak to witnesses who saw what happened in the seconds before the SUV and truck collided between Avenal and Coalinga.
The children, who were between the ages of 6 and 15, were members of two related families who traveled in a Ford F-150 truck that was hit by a Dodge Journey SUV at around 8 p.m., the Fresno County Coroner office said. CHP.
Evidence from the scene indicated that the Dodge, driven by a 28-year-old man, was driving south on the freeway when it swerved on the sand strip for some unknown reason, the CHP said. The driver then corrected and swerved to the south lane, where he hit the Ford being driven by a woman, officials said.
The Ford burst into flames on the dirt shoulder, while the Dodge came to a stop on both lanes of the highway, the CHP said.
“When the fire was extinguished, it was tragically discovered that there were eight occupants – seven of whom appeared to be youths – in the Ford,” Captain Kevin Clays said at a Saturday afternoon press conference. “We are working with the Fresno County Coroner’s Office to identify the occupants.”
The driver of the Dodge, the SUV’s sole occupant, was identified as Daniel Luna from Avenal.
It was not known whether alcohol or drugs were a factor, pending toxicological results. Investigators will try to determine how fast both vehicles were going at the time of the crash, the Fresno Bee reported.
Weather or other road conditions did not appear to be a factor, officials said.
“Highway 33 is fairly straight at this location and not many collisions occur in the same location where this collision occurred,” said Clays. “It is well maintained.”
Clays said counseling has been offered to the agents who responded to the crash.