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Seven children and two adult drivers were killed in a head-on collision between an SUV and a pickup truck in central California on New Years Day, authorities said.
The children, aged six to 15, were part of two related families traveling in a 2007 Ford F-150 pickup when it was struck by a Dodge Journey on State Route 33 between Avenal and Coalinga at around 8 p.m. Friday, The Fresno County Coroner’s Office and the California Highway Patrol have said.
Evidence from the scene indicated the Dodge, driven by a 28-year-old man, was heading south on the freeway when it veered onto the hard shoulder for an unknown reason, police said.
The driver then over-corrected and swerved into the oncoming lane, colliding with the Ford, being driven by a woman.
The Ford caught fire on the shoulder, while the Dodge came to a stop astride the two lanes of the highway, police said. All eight people – including the seven children – inside the Ford, were killed.
Highway Patrol Captain Kevin Clays said the van was equipped with only six seat belts, The New York Times reported. Clays said officers who responded to the collision had received advice.
“It’s tragic for the community,” he said. “It’s tragic for our officers responding to these incidents.”
The driver of the Dodge has been identified as Daniel Luna d’Avenal. The coroner’s office was working on identifying victims in the Ford.
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