A lone surviving child was rushed into surgery after a two-vehicle collision killed their parents and young sister in Lancaster earlier this week, officials confirmed Saturday.
It happened around 4:25 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, according to the California Highway Patrol in Antelope Valley, on State Route 138 at 110th Street West.
CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that a Chevrolet Colorado, carrying the family of four, was accelerating from the stop sign at 110th Street West when they drove directly into the path of a Dodge Ram 3500 driving eastbound on State Route 138. It was unclear whether speed or other factors contributed to this fatal crash.
Officers and other first responders soon arrived and declared the parents and their 12-year-old daughter dead at the scene. They were identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as 38-year-old Vanessa Gonzalez-Gabriel, 49-year-old Abdias Gabriel-Fernandez and 12-year-old Ruby Gabriel.
The identity of the surviving family member was not immediately released, but CHP said the child was a juvenile and that they were transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center and rushed into surgery.
As for the other vehicle involved, CHP said the Dodge Ram driver suffered minor injuries and was also transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center. “SR-138 was closed in both directions from 110th Street West to 90th Street West for approximately four and a half hours during the on-scene investigation,” CHP’s release detailed.
Video surveillance obtained by law enforcement from an electric vehicle driving by during the crash confirmed the sequence of events as revealed by the preliminary investigation. CHP said no criminal charges will be filed in this case.
“All employees of the California Highway Patrol Antelope Valley Area office extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of our community members during this incredibly difficult time,” concluded the statement.
