A sedan and an Antelope Valley Transit Authority van pool vehicle were involved in the collision, which occurred about 10:25 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, at Sierra Highway near Avenue O, officials said.
According to coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter, three people died at the scene: a man about 20-25 years old; a woman about 20-25; and a girl about 1-2 years old. Another girl, about a year old, died at a hospital, Winter said.
An investigator told reporters at the scene the victims are believed to be a mother, father and their two children.
Their names were withheld, pending notification of relatives.
The van driver was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life- threatening injuries, according to the sheriff’s department, which reported that investigators believe the family’s vehicle veered into the path of the oncoming van.
No further details on the crash were immediately available.
UPDATE: The sheriff’s department has released more information regarding the fatal collision. According to a news release from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station: “The preliminary facts of this investigation indicate that a family of 4 in a 1997 Kia Sephia were traveling northbound on Sierra Highway when for an unknown reason their vehicle veered across the center divider and was struck by an Antelope Valley Transit Authority Van in the number 1 southbound lane of Sierra Highway. The vehicle crossed over the double yellow lines prior to being struck and came to rest along the dirt shoulder.”
UPDATE: The Antelope Valley Transit Authority released the following statement: “Reports indicate that an employee of our contracted labor provider, Transdev, was driving an AVTA vehicle at the time of the accident. He has been taken to Antelope Valley Hospital with undisclosed injuries. We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate event and extend our most sincere condolences to the families of those involved. We will work closely with authorities and Transdev to ascertain and fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and provide further information as it is made available.”
PANCHO says
Murder suicide, it is obvious
Danelda Robbins says
Does anyone know who the family was? Please
Sonia says
I was coming from court as this accident occurred I pulled out my phone to record the accident to post on av scanner no ambulance or police had arrived yet came home to find out that there were babies in that car me and my son bursted out in tears I could not get over that it was my birthday also and my whole day was just saddened,I myself don’t drive on the lane close to the cars for the fear of that happening
Tracy says
Y didn’t you stop and help the victims
Priscilla says
THIS IS VERY,VERY, SAD…MY ❤ GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY….SOOOO SAD…
Robert says
Yes, this is a horrible tragedy. For the deceased family and first responders.
May I ask the City, State? When the hell are you going to divide, with barriers, both Sierra Hwy and Pearblossom Hwys?
I avoid both roads, at all cost.
Dana G. says
A gofundme has been set up for the family: https://www.gofundme.com/pyy9n-funeral
Just a girl says
Leilei may you and your family all rest together in paradise. Family, you’re in my prayers .
snyder says
may i ask who this family was i can not get them off my mind
Andrea Vargas says
My heart is hurting even though I don’t know them. May the whole family rest in peace. Prayers for the relatives who lost these innocent people.
Todd amon says
Feel bad for the first responders who have to deal with this stuff….. yiu have my respect
Someone says
Jersey barriers are needed between Ave M and Ave P on Sierra highway. I always drive in the right lane for this reason. Sorry to see this happen. Very sad.
Grams says
And Pearblossom Hwy ASAP!!!!!!!!!!
Kim Ellman says
Just incredible, a whole family gone, blink. A really tragic event and may the living relatives of this family find peace in this horrible loss. Please be safe out there all! Put the cell phone away, don’t get distracted while driving and never drink if you have to drive.
PANCHO says
This was not a cellphone thing
Destiny says
R.i.p cousins I miss u guys so much words can’t explain
snyder says
could you please tell who they were. i can take them out of my mind so sad
Pam says
My guess is that he may have blown a tire jerking the driver into oncoming traffic.
Rest In Peace together…….
Pancakes says
Murder suicide
TSparky says
This stretch of highway, just like Pearblossom Hwy near Sierra, only has a double yellow line separating traffic. This is the real reason this happened because it only takes a slight swerve to cause a head-on collision with a combined velocity of over 100mph.
Rachelle Thompson says
Babies died, this is so tragic & sad.RIP
Grams says
This is horrible. A whole family gone just like that, RIP . May their family find strenght to deal with this.
Taj says
Total Devastation
Mars says
PRAYERS FOR FAMILY & EVERYONE
Mars says
Alleykatkitten says
May the families involved with the tragedy be comforted by gods hands.