LANCASTER, CA — A devastating crash in Lancaster on Wednesday, July 2, claimed the lives of a family of three and left one child hospitalized in critical condition. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed the fatal collision occurred around 4:25 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 138 and 110th Street West in Antelope Valley.
According to CHP investigators, the victims were traveling in a Chevrolet Colorado. The vehicle had stopped at a stop sign on 110th Street West and then pulled into the eastbound lane of State Route 138. As it entered the intersection, the pickup was struck by an oncoming Dodge Ram 3500. Authorities have not yet determined whether speed, driver error, or other factors contributed to the tragic crash.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and found that three of the Chevrolet’s occupants had died on impact. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as 38-year-old Vanessa Gonzalez-Gabriel, 49-year-old Abdias Gabriel-Fernandez, and their 12-year-old daughter, Ruby Gabriel. The family’s sudden loss has left the community in mourning.
A second child in the Chevrolet survived the crash but suffered life-threatening injuries. The child, whose name and age have not been released, was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery. As of Saturday, there have been no updates on their condition. The driver of the Dodge Ram suffered minor injuries and was also transported to the same hospital for treatment.
Following the collision, State Route 138 was closed in both directions from 110th Street West to 90th Street West for approximately four and a half hours. Investigators used this time to document the scene and reconstruct the sequence of events. Dashcam footage from a passing electric vehicle supported the CHP’s initial findings, and authorities later confirmed that no criminal charges would be filed.
In a public statement, the CHP’s Antelope Valley office offered condolences to the family and friends of the victims. The tragedy has renewed calls for increased safety on high-speed rural highways like SR-138. Officials are urging all drivers to remain alert, obey posted speed limits, and approach intersections with caution to prevent similar accidents. The investigation is ongoing.