1 child killed, another injured in Ramona car crash, Highway 78 re-opens

RAMONA (NEWS 8) — West Haverford Road in Ramona reopened Monday afternoon after a two vehicle crash killed a five-year-old boy and injured four others, including a six-year-old boy on Highway 78, according to authorities. 

The head-on collision happened just after 11 a.m. on Highway 78 at West Haverford Road, according the California Highway Patrol.

According to authorities, a 44-year-old Ramona man was driving a white 2002 Toyota Camry on Highway 78 westbound, east of Haverford Road.  At the same time, a 77-year-old man from Falls City, Oregon was driving a 2014 Dodge Ram on Highway 78 eastbound, east of Haverford Rd.

Witnesses told CHP the white car suddenly swerved in front of the truck. 

According to CHP, both children were wearing seatbelts, but it appears the children were wearing the shoulder portion behind their backs. CHP said it does not appear drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash. 

The driver of the white Toyota, who appears to be the uncle of the two boys, was seriously injured. The female in the front passenger seat of the white Toyota, who appears to be the mother of the two boys, survived the crash. 

The two boys were seating in the rear-passenger seats. The impact caused the five-year-old boy, who was sitting in the left rear seat of the Camry to suffer fatal injuries. He died on scene.  

The six-year-old boy, who was in the right rear seat, suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in San Diego.

The driver of the Dodge truck was transported to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries. 

The California Highway Patrol is still working on identifying the parties involved. The identity of the deceased will be released only through the medical examiners office.