A tragic Christmas Day crash in California has left two children dead and led to the arrest of a driver on child endangerment charges.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the multi-vehicle collision happened just before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25, along northbound Interstate 5 in Lebec, a small community in northern Los Angeles County.
Investigators said a gold Toyota RAV4 was stopped in the center median south of Vista Del Lago Road while the driver waited with a family member. A blue Nissan Rogue traveling northbound, carrying two adults and six minors, then crashed into the Toyota.
CHP officials said the Nissan lost control before slamming into the rear side of the stopped vehicle. The impact was devastating. Three minors were ejected from the Nissan, and despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, two children were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Nissan, identified by authorities as Jorge Preciado, was arrested on suspicion of felony child endangerment. He was later booked at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station in Santa Clarita. The ages and identities of the children who died have not been released.
Officials are still investigating what caused the Nissan to lose control.
“Today’s loss of two young lives is heartbreaking,” CHP Captain Purvis said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the families of those involved in this tragedy. This is an important reminder that child safety seats are of utmost importance in providing safety on the roadway.”
The deadly crash occurred amid severe weather across Southern California. In the days leading up to Christmas, parts of Los Angeles County were hit with intense rainfall, with more than 11 inches recorded in some areas on Dec. 24. The National Weather Service warned of flash flooding, especially in regions already weakened by wildfires earlier in 2025.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a local emergency declaration on Dec. 24, citing dangerous driving conditions, while California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles County and other parts of Southern California due to flooding and landslide risks.
Across the state, the powerful storms proved deadly. At least four people reportedly died in weather-related incidents, including a motorist killed in South Sacramento and a 61-year-old man in San Diego who was struck by a falling tree during high winds.
The investigation into the Christmas Day crash remains ongoing.
As soon as I read Los Angeles…..
I was expecting a name like “Jorge Preciado” to be at fault.