Ranchita, CA.- An 8-year-old girl was killed and several other people were injured in a head-on collision that occurred near Ranchita Sunday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Alcohol was believed to have been a factor in the three-vehicle collision that was reported just after 3 p.m. on November 30, 2025, on San Felipe Road near Montezuma Park Road.
According to CHP, a 25-year-old Oceanside man was driving a 2005 Toyota Tacoma northbound on San Felipe Road when he swerved across the double-yellow line and crashed head-on with an oncoming Toyota Camry. The Tacoma then hit the right side of a northbound Ford F-350 pulling a utility trailer. The impact caused the Tacoma to overturn and it burst into flames.
Cal Fire crews responded to the scene and helped put out the fire. The crews also extricated one person who was trapped in one of the vehicles.
The driver of the Tacoma and his 24-year-old passenger were transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the Camry, a 26-year-old man from Yuma, Arizona, and one of his passengers, a 28-year-old woman, were also transported to Sharp Memorial with major injuries.
Three children were in the back of the Camry and were taken to Rady's Children's Hospital with major injuries. One of them, an 8-year-old girl, succumbed to her injuries. The other children were boys aged 4 and 5.
A 13-year-old passenger in the Ford was treated for minor injuries.
Authorities reported that impairment was suspected to have played a role in the incident. The California Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation into the collision.
Anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident needs to take the right steps immediately after the incident. You need to seek immediate medical attention after the accident, document the scene, and collect witness information, and ensure you obtain the official police report.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your personal injury claim. Our team will review whether another party was negligent, the extent of your injuries, the medical treatment you need, and the legal options available. Our car accident lawyers provide free consultations by phone, video call, or in person, and you will never owe any fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.