Fowler, CA Car And Truck Collision, Aug 1972

CAR CRASHES KILL 9 -- FIVE IN ONE FAMILY.

Five members of a Fowler family and a visiting relative from Mexico were killed yesterday at noon when a car they were in collided with a truck and double-trailer rig at Chestnut and South Avenues three miles from their home.
Killed were MRS. MARIA OCHOA, 44, of 8153 S. Fowler Ave.; two sons, ROBERT, 18, and JORGE, 11; two daughters, LETICIA, 19, and GLORIA, 16, and a niece, NELLY QUEN, of San Luis, Mexico.
Investigators said the family had been working in the fields and were on their way home for lunch when the accident happened.
According to the Highway Patrol the car driven by ROBERT OCHOA, was eastbound on South when it failed to halt for a stop sign and was hit broadside by the truck.
The driver of the truck, JAMES FOLEY KENNEY, 54, of 4373 W. Shields Ave., suffered minor injuries. He was treated at Valley Medical Center and released.
The rig, carrying empty propane gas tanks, went out of control and came to rest on its side in a vineyard.
The OCHOA car spun around, burst into flames and hit a telephone pole.
Investigators said four of the victims were burned.
MRS. OCHOA'S husband, GILBERT, a truck driver, reportedly was home at the time of the accident.
The bodies were taken to the Fowler Funeral Chapel.

Fresno Bee California 1972-08-27
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!