News - A tragic Christmas crash claims two young lives; driver charged.

In a devastating Christmas Day incident, a car crash in Lebec, California, resulted in the death of two children. The tragedy unfolded when a blue Nissan Rogue, carrying two adults and six minors, lost control and slammed into a stationary Toyota RAV4 on Interstate 5. The aftermath saw three minors ejected from the vehicle, with two succumbing to their injuries despite efforts by first responders. The driver of the Nissan, Jorge Preciado, has been arrested on suspicion of felony child endangerment following the incident. California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed the details of the accident, noting that it occurred just before 3:00 p.m. The collision took place in the northbound lanes, south of Vista Del Lago Road. The severe impact of the crash highlights the importance of proper safety measures, as emphasized by CHP Captain Purvis, who expressed deep sympathy for the grieving families. Leading up to the fateful day, Southern California was battered by severe weather, with heavy rains leading to treacherous driving conditions. Los Angeles County experienced over 11 inches of rain, causing officials to issue warnings about potential flash floods and landslides. On December 24, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency, with Governor Gavin Newsom following suit for several counties, given the hazardous conditions. This incident is part of a series of weather-related tragedies in California, where at least four deaths have been reported. These include a weather-induced car crash in South Sacramento and a fatal accident in San Diego, where a man was killed by a falling tree. As investigations continue into why the Nissan’s driver lost control, the community mourns the loss of young lives taken too soon. The CHP reiterates the critical importance of child safety devices and adherence to traffic safety rules, particularly during inclement weather conditions.