Fiery Crash Leaves Three Dead

By Emery Ledger on August 9, 2011

California Highway Patrol continues to investigate a multi-car pileup on Interstate 5 that left three people dead and seven others with serious injuries. The crash involved six vehicles and was allegedly caused by a speeding and negligent big rig operator. CHP believes that the truck was not paying attention and rammed into the back of multiple slowed or stopped vehicles- killing two adults and one two-year old child.

Two adults were killed at the accident scene when their vehicle erupted into a blaze of smoke and fire. In another vehicle, a small child was trapped in the backseat despite valiant efforts by the drivers and other bystanders to attempt rescue. All three decedents perished as a result of excessive thermal injuries.

Victims’ identities have not been released.

The accident occurred around 12:35 on Monday in an area east of Woodland, California on Interstate 5 just south of the Highway 113 turnoff. Seven other people were injured in the collision and all were taken to area hospitals. As of Tuesday afternoon, all but two have been released.

Of the six cars involved in the pileup, five exploded into flames and continued to burn until CHP was able to extinguish the blazes. Burning vehicles in the center median ignited grass and debris causing even further damage.

I-5 has reopened after being closed for nine hours following the crash.

Emery Ledger

Emery Brett Ledger brings more than 27 years of experience to personal injury law. He founded & led The Ledger Law Firm in securing over $100 million in compensation for clients with life-altering injuries & complex claims. Licensed in California, Texas, & Washington, Emery earned his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. His practice areas include car & truck accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, maritime claims, & mass tort litigation. He has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100, Mass Tort Trial Lawyers Top 25, and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys. Emery also received the 2025 Elite Lawyer Award & holds a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating with Platinum Client Champion status. His legal work has been featured on CNN, Forbes, NBC, & ABC.