San Fernando Woman, Daughter Die in Crash

A San Fernando woman and her young daughter were killed in a head-on car crash Sunday afternoon north of Oxnard, and her husband, who is suspected of causing the accident, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, authorities said.

The names of the deceased were not released Sunday night, nor was the identity of the man suspected of causing the collision.

A Moorpark man who was riding with the San Fernando family also suffered major injuries, California Highway Patrol Officer Jackie Diaz said. His identity was not available, Diaz said.

Theodore and Ruthie Burke of Ventura, who were riding in the other vehicle, also were injured, Diaz said. Ruthie Burke was listed in critical condition at Ventura County Medical Center on Sunday evening and Theodore Burke was in fair condition at Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo.

The accident occurred about 5:15 p.m. on Santa Clara Avenue north of Central Avenue. The CHP closed Santa Clara Avenue between Central Avenue and Wright Road for several hours Sunday evening to clear the accident.

According to a witness, the car carrying the San Fernando family was going north on Santa Clara Avenue and suddenly began swerving in the two-lane road, Diaz said.

The car was traveling about 45 to 50 m.p.h. when it crashed head-on into a van driven by Theodore Burke, Diaz said.

There was no car seat for the child, who was 3 or 4 years old, and she was thrown from the car when it hit the van, Diaz said.