Father of four killed after car plows into California taco stand

A father of four was killed after a vehicle plowed into popular taco stand in California, injuring 12 others.

The crash occurred just before 7:45 p.m. Friday in Pomona, near Kiwanis Park, according to the Pomona Police Department. The driver, a 26-year-old woman who lives in the city, initially fled the scene, but turned herself into authorities a few hours later.

The woman was traveling eastbound along Holt Avenue when her vehicle suddenly careened into the westbound lanes and then into a taco stand, scattering tables and chairs set up outside the eatery. When first responders arrived on the scene, they discovered 13 victims, including one who died at the scene.

He was identified on Saturday as 52-year-old Gilberto Cazares Payan. His goddaughter told ABC7 that Payan was picking up dinner at the taco stand when the brutal collision occurred.

The remaining 12 victims were hospitalized, including three people who remained in critical condition Saturday afternoon, police said.

The driver was booked late Friday into the Pomona City Jail on felony charges including vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit and run resulting in death or injury.

Police said it’s not yet clear whether drugs or alcohol factored into the crash.