NAPA, CA — A mother of two young children was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a fatal crash in Napa on Sunday morning, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported.
The incident occurred just after 7 a.m. on State Highway 29 when 31-year-old Yesica Barajas, the driver of the vehicle, was allegedly speeding southbound. Barajas exited onto the West Imola Avenue ramp, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into a tree, according to CHP officers.
The collision claimed the lives of Barajas’ two young children, a 10-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl. Both children were pronounced dead at the scene. Barajas, who sustained major injuries in the crash, was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Once Barajas is medically cleared, she will be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, CHP confirmed. The identities of the children have not been released, pending notification of their next of kin.
Investigators are continuing to work on the case, and more details will be released as they become available. The crash has raised concerns about impaired driving and its devastating consequences, particularly when it involves the lives of young children.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the tragic impact it can have on families and communities.