Madera County, CA (September 13, 2025) – Madera County authorities report a fatal crash involving a family minivan and a big rig truck on Saturday evening. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision occurred shortly after 6 p.m. at the intersection of Avenue 7 and Road 24. The driver of the minivan, the mother of the victims, reportedly failed to see a stop sign, striking a big rig in the intersection.
Three children inside the minivan—a 17-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy, and a 6-year-old girl—were pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional passengers in the minivan sustained major injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The big rig driver also received medical care at a hospital.
The force of the crash split the minivan in half and resulted in a diesel spill into a nearby canal. Cleanup crews were on scene to manage the hazardous material.
CHP investigators indicate that the minivan driver may face criminal charges as the investigation into the collision continues.