Law Enforcement
Seven members of a family were the victims of a speeding car that ran a red light in Las Vegas
The incident happened when a driver in a Dodge Challenger ran a red light at more than 100 mph
January 31, 2022 4:28pm
Updated: January 31, 2022 4:28pm
A speeding muscle car killed nine people after it ran a red light in North Las Vegas, police reported. Seven of the victims belonged to the same family.
The incident happened when a driver in a Dodge Challenger ran a red light at more than 100 mph on Saturday, authorities said. The resulting crash involved a total of six vehicles.
The driver of the muscle car and his passenger died, along with seven family members. In total, 15 people were involved in the accident. The injuries of those who survived range from "non-threatening to minor to serious condition,” said police spokesman Officer Alexander Cuevas said. One is in critical condition at the hospital.
“We have not seen a mass casualty traffic collision like this before,” Cuevas said.
The coroner’s office identified the family members killed as five-year-old Fernando Yeshua Mejia, 10-year-old Adrian Zacarias, 13-year-old Lluvia Daylenn Zacarias, 15-year-old Bryan Axel Zacarias, 23-year-old Gabriel Mejia-Barrera, 25-year-old David Mejia-Barrera, and 35-year-old Jose Zacarias-Caldera, reported Las Vegas Review Journal.
“I lost all my family, my kids, 7 out of those lives lost, there are no words to describe my pain and suffering that I will not be able to hug my children again my brother and 2 step sons lost there lives also me and my husband are in so much pain we are asking you for help without heart in hands anything would be helpful thank you,” wrote Erlinda Zacarias in a GoFundMe page for funeral expenses.
“Our hearts ache for the families & loved ones of the nine people killed in this senseless act – Kathy & I will be keeping them in our hearts & prayers during this very difficult time,” tweeted Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak.