California Injury Blog
Two mothers and four children were killed in a fiery car accident early morning on June 28, 2016. According to a KABC news report, the two dads were airlifted to area hospitals for injuries they sustained while trying to save their families from a burning minivan. California Highway Patrol officials said the crash occurred on the southbound 5 Freeway near Gorman School Road.
A minivan carrying two families collided with a black BMW and stopped on the far right shoulder, still partially in the lane. The minivan was then rear-ended by a semi-truck, pushed into a ravine and caught fire. CHP officials and the two fathers desperately tried to save the women and children trapped in the burning vehicle, but were not successful. Both men suffered burn injuries to their hands and faces. An investigation is still ongoing.
Our hearts go out to the two men who not only lost their entire families, but helplessly watched as they perished before their eyes. Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
What Caused This Tragic Crash?
Based on this news report, it appears that there was an initial crash, which caused the minivan carrying the two families to stop on the shoulder of the freeway. It is not clear if the minivan had its hazard lights on. It was at this time that the big rig crashed into the stalled minivan and sent it into a ditch where it caught fire and trapped the six victims inside.
There are a number of unanswered questions here. Why was the truck driver unable to see the minivan? Was the truck driver fatigued or drowsy at the time? Did distracted or inattentive driving play a part? Were alcohol and/or drugs involved? We trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Justice for Victims and Families
If the truck driver is determined to have been at fault here, the driver and his or her employer can be held liable for the men’s injuries and the victims’ wrongful death. Injured victims and families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.