“Today’s loss of two young lives is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the families of those involved in this tragedy,” said Captain Purvis of the California Highway Patrol in a press release on Christmas Day. “This is an important reminder that child safety seats are of utmost importance in providing safety on the roadway.”
The crash was reported at approximately 2:56 p.m. on December 25 on northbound I-5, south of Vista Del Lago Road. CHP Newhall Area officers were dispatched following reports of a multi-vehicle collision. As officers were en route, additional calls indicated that two minors were receiving CPR at the scene.
Upon arrival, officers determined that a gold Toyota RAV4 was stopped in the center median while waiting with a family member. A blue Nissan Rogue, carrying two adults and six minors, was traveling northbound on I-5 south of Vista Del Lago Road when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control of the vehicle.
The Nissan Rogue crashed into the rear of the stopped Toyota, causing three minors to be ejected from the Nissan, according to the CHP press release. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, two of the minors were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Nissan, identified as Jorge Preciado, was arrested at the scene for felony child endangerment under Penal Code 273(a)(a). He was later booked into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station in Santa Clarita without incident.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol Newhall Area Office