Texas family of 5 killed in head-on crash

A family of five was killed and one person was critically injured in a head-on-crash on Interstate 45 in Houston on Saturday, May 10, according to Centerville Volunteer Fire Department.

Hermenegildo Cerda, 55, drove a Ford F-150 2023, with his wife, Veronica Cerda, 53, and their daughters Veronica Denise Cerda, 26; Rebecca Cerda, 20; and Daniela Cerda, 18, as a passenger.

Their truck collided with a Dodge pickup in 2016 and killed all five passengers, according to the fire brigade press release.

Dodge was run by Toriano Fair, 43, who survived the crash but suffered serious injuries and was taken to St. Joseph Regional Hospital in Bryan, Texas.

Firefighters responded to the stage at 15:17 local time and reported a large vehicle accident near Leona, Texas, says Centerville Volunteer Fire Department at the publication. Dodge Pickupen traveled south on I-45 when it went off the roadway and hit a railing to the right. The vehicle crossed the cable barrier and I-45 and ran into the Mittmedian before beat the northbound Ford, Kuub 11 Reported, with reference to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

In the case of emergency personnel, both vehicles arrived in flames. Centerville Volunteer Fire Department and Leona Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire while also recovered the victims from the fire. Several agencies arrived at the scene, including Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Highway Patrol – the latter investigates the incident, according to the outlet.

“There were at least seven people there, everyone was actively doing just something, someone dictated what we would do,” Mujtaba Quadri, a spectator, told KHOU 11.

“The fire raged, I wish I could see the other people (in the truck) because I was on the driver’s side, I only saw it one person,” Quadri said. He added that he and other spectators pulled fairly from the wreck and placed him on a stretcher made of blankets.

“Imagine how we feel, as if we couldn’t save them and imagine what he will have to go through knowing what happened, and it’s devastating,” Quadri said. “If I was in their situation, it would at least give me comfort, to know that there were random strangers out there and helped my family.”

On Monday 12 May, a family member created one Gofundme page to raise money for family funeral costs.

“Their lives were heartbreaking cards in a devastating car accident that claimed the whole family,” read the side description.

“They were a closely knitted and loving family, known for their warmth, kindness and deep love for each other. Their sudden passing has left a deep void in the hearts of anyone who knew them, and their absence will feel forever.”

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Representatives of Texas Highway Patrol and Leon County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to people’s request for more information on Wednesday.