Nine month old baby dies in traffic accident, father and siblings hurt
By Jose Gaspar A 9-month old baby died Sunday morning from his injuries after a driver Forty year-old Juan Villanueva of Bakersfield was walking down Wilson Road with his four children. Juan's wife Antonia was working in the fields, so he decided to take his children for a bite at a nearby McDonald's. They never made it. Just as the family had finished crossing Benton Street, Bakersfield Police say a driver identified as 62-year-old Elodia De Franco drifted to the right side of the road, striking Villanueva from behind and sending him through the car's windshield. Villanueva was carrying his 9-month old son, Christopher. Three other children were also walking with them. "We are all devastated by this tragedy," said Villanueva's sister-in-law Villanueva suffered two broken legs and might have both legs amputated below the knee said Topete. Also hurt was 11-year-old Andreina with two broken legs, her left leg broken in 3 places. Nine year-old twins Manuel and Joel were treated and released from the hospital and relatives say the boys do not remember the accident. "All they remember is awaking in the hospital after the accident," said Relatives gathered at Kern Medical Center supporting each other and the children. The family says they have no animosity toward the driver who hit the five. "This was an accident, and that's the way we see it for now," said Juan Topete. Villanueva worked as a gardner and his wife Antonia worked as a farm worker. They say they will need help to recover from the tragedy. Anyone wishing to help the family can make a donation. A fund has been established and donations can be dropped off at any Washington Mutual Bank under the name Manuel Villanueva. Police say the investigation continues, and drugs and alcohol do not appear to be involved. |
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