7 Children Among 9 Killed in a Head-On Car Collision on New Year's Day in California

Crime scene.Photo: Getty Images

Nine people were killed in a head-on car collision in Fresno County, California, on Friday.

Seven children, between the ages of 6 and 15 years old, were among those killed, as well as both drivers, according to theNew York TimesandAssociated Press.

The California Highway Patrol said that Luna was traveling southbound on the highway in his Dodge SUV when he veered onto the dirt shoulder. Luna then overcorrected when returning onto the highway and swerved over the centerline where he struck the Ford head-on.

Officials said the pickup truck became “fully engulfed in flames,” and all nine occupants were killed, including Luna.

“It’s tragic for the community,” Capt. Kevin Clays of the California Highway Patrol said at a news conference, according to theTimes. “It’s tragic for our officers that respond to these incidents.”

Officials also noted that the woman’s Ford F-150 only had six available seatbelts. Clays said chances of severe injury or death are “far greater” when traveling in a car without a seatbelt on.

source: people.com