San Felipe, CA, December 3, 2025

A tragic head-on collision on San Felipe Road claimed the life of an 8-year-old girl and left six others critically injured. The accident, which took place over the Thanksgiving weekend, involved multiple vehicles and is suspected to involve DUI. The community mourns the loss and calls for improved road safety awareness in rural areas.

San Felipe, CA – Child Killed, Six Others Seriously Injured in Fiery Crash

A devastating collision raises awareness on road safety in rural areas

San Felipe, CA – A tragic traffic accident on San Felipe Road near Julian resulted in the death of an 8-year-old girl and serious injuries to six other individuals over the Thanksgiving weekend. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2025, in the 25,000 block of San Felipe Road in the San Felipe Valley, northeast of Julian.

Details of the Collision

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a 25-year-old man from Oceanside was driving a northbound 2005 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck when he crossed over double yellow lines into oncoming traffic. The Tacoma collided head-on with a southbound 2018 Toyota Camry sedan, which was carrying a 26-year-old driver from Arizona and four passengers: a 28-year-old woman, and children aged 4, 5, and 8. After the initial collision, the Tacoma struck a northbound 1997 Ford F-350 truck towing a utility trailer before overturning and catching fire on the roadway.

Victims and Injuries

The 8-year-old girl was transported to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, where she was pronounced dead. The other three children and the four adults were also taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego for treatment. The 25-year-old driver of the Tacoma and his 24-year-old passenger from San Marcos sustained major injuries. A 13-year-old girl riding in the Ford truck suffered minor injuries. The driver of the Camry and his passengers, including the 28-year-old woman and the two boys aged 4 and 5, were also seriously injured.

Investigation and Suspected DUI

CHP officials have stated that alcohol is suspected to have been a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collision and to confirm the role of alcohol in the incident.

Background

This incident occurred in the San Felipe Valley, a rural area northeast of Julian, California. The area is known for its winding roads and limited cell service, which can pose challenges for emergency response and traffic safety. The CHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to provide more information to the public.

Community Impact

The community has been deeply affected by this tragedy. Local residents have expressed their condolences and support for the victims’ families. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, especially in rural areas, and to avoid driving under the influence to prevent such devastating accidents.

Related Incidents

Fatal traffic accidents involving children have occurred in other parts of California in recent years. For example, in October 2025, a 6-year-old child was among four people killed in separate traffic accidents in San Benito and Santa Clara counties. In April 2024, a 9-year-old girl was killed in a solo car crash on Interstate 680 in Concord, California. These incidents highlight the ongoing issue of traffic safety and the importance of responsible driving.

Conclusion

This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of road safety. The CHP continues to investigate the incident and urges the public to stay informed and exercise caution on the roads.

FAQ

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