BAKERSFIELD, CA – A man who police suspect was driving under the influence when he crashed on Monday has been identified. The drunk driver severely injured several children in the crash, making the violent accident into quite the tragedy.
The California Highway Patrol indicates they arrested Eduardo Luis Blanco, 27, on charges from the 8:15 accident that occurred on Di Giorgio Road which is located west of Cottonwood Road.
Bakersfield Police officers allege that Blanco was driving a burgundy GMC Sierra east on Di Giorgio when the pickup wandered beyond the yellow line and crashed into the front of a westerly moving Dodge Charger. The collision caused both vehicles to crumple significantly and caused major damage to the vehicles and passengers alike.
Drunk Driver Injured Self and Many Children
According to officials, Blanco broke his femur while a 3-year-old in the truck suffered a fractured arm and femur and abrasions to her face. Additionally, three other passengers in the Sierra, a 9-year-old and 4-year-old endured superficial injuries.
Unfortunately, a 9-month-old also riding the Charger experienced bleeding on the brain, according to officers. Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle suffered a broken leg an cuts on his face. A woman in the car broke her femur and got cuts on her face as well as the left flank of her body.
Both the 9-month-old and 3-year-old were immediately flown to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera. All the others who suffered injuries were sent to Kern Medical and Memorial Hospital. While they remain in critical condition as of now, medical personnel working on the case are optimistic that the kids will survive the accident.
Blanco pleaded no contest to a DUI charge in 2014. After this incident, he will likely lose his license for years to come, if not permanently. He may even go to jail, especially if the worst outcome comes to fruition.
