The crash happened around 6 p.m. at Road 24 and Avenue 7, west of Ripperdan.
Madera County, CA – A 6-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy, and a 17-year-old girl were killed, and three others were injured in a van versus big rig collision Saturday evening in Madera County, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 6 p.m. at Road 24 and Avenue 7, west of Ripperdan.
CHP said the van, carrying a family of five, ran a stop sign at the intersection, where it was struck broadside by a westbound big rig hauling two trailers.
The big rig ended up in a nearby canal, spilling diesel into it.
The 15-year-old boy died at the scene. The 6-year-old girl was taken to Valley Children's Hospital with major injuries but was later pronounced dead. It was unclear where the 17-year-old girl was pronounced dead.
The 45-year-old driver of the van, who is the mother of the kids, and another passenger in the vehicle suffered major injuries.
The 38-year-old man driving the big rig suffered moderate injuries.
All the patients were taken to the hospital for treatment.
CHP reported that alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash.
An investigation is ongoing.