Mother, 6 Children Die in Fiery Van Crash
A van burst into flames after the driver lost control and smashed into a tree, killing a woman and six children Friday night, the California Highway Patrol said Saturday.
The children’s father survived and was seen sobbing near the wreckage, “I’ve lost my family.”
Relatives identified the seven killed in the crash as 35-year-old Sandy Mitchell and her six children, KPIX-TV reported Saturday.
The children are Corina, 15; Jason, 10; Sierra, 9; Amber, 7; Jerrian, 6; and Sonny, 4.
Their father, Dennis Mitchell, 38, suffered only a hand injury.
The Alameda County coroner’s office refused to confirm the names, pending positive identification with dental records, expected today.
The crash happened north of Interstate 580. It was discovered when a local rancher reported a fire near his property.
CHP Sgt. Rick Luciano said the van probably exceeded the two-lane road’s 45-mph speed limit. “There’s a good possibility they experienced a flat tire, went out of control, crossed the yellow lines, hit a tree, crossed back over the double yellow lines, flipped over and caught on fire.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
