APPLE VALLEY, CA – A devastating broadside collision at a local intersection on Saturday night claimed the lives of a 33-year-old mother and her unborn twins, leaving two local teenagers hospitalized with severe injuries.
The Intersection Collision
The fatal crash occurred around 8:20 p.m. on June 27 at the intersection of Wichita and Zuni roads.
According to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies, Lorena Lopez was driving her Nissan Altima to a family gathering with her two teenage children, ages 15 and 16, when a Toyota Camry ran a stop sign and slammed directly into her vehicle.
Tragic Loss and Severe Injuries
Lopez, who was five months pregnant with twins (a boy and a girl), died from her injuries alongside her unborn children.
Her two teenagers survived the initial impact but were rushed to a regional trauma center. Family members confirmed both children remain hospitalized suffering from:
- Severe concussions
- Brain swelling
- Broken ribs
The driver of the Camry, a 25-year-old man, became trapped as his vehicle rolled onto its side and caught fire. Neighbors managed to extinguish the flames before emergency crews extricated him. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Community Mourns a Dedicated Mother
Lopez’s family described her as a deeply devoted mother and a dedicated healthcare worker. A makeshift memorial has been established at the crash site by heartbroken loved ones, neighbors, and colleagues.
Investigation and Call for Justice
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Major Accident Investigation Team is actively leading the investigation.
While charges have not yet been officially announced, the suspect driver’s identity is being withheld pending formal booking. The family has publicly called for strict legal consequences, demanding justice for the loss of three lives.
