In a tragic incident in Woodland, a suburb of Sacramento, California, a 2-year-old girl was killed when a 3-year-old child left alone in a running pickup truck managed to drive it into her.
The young girl, Ailahni Sanchez Martinez, was at her family’s taco stand around 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, when the vehicle, a Dodge pickup truck, struck her.
According to the Woodland Police Department, the accident occurred at a local 76 gas station where the toddler’s family set up their taco truck.
Sandro Sanchez, the victim’s father, recounted the moments leading up to the incident. An individual had parked their pickup truck close to a gas pump and, leaving it running, stepped away to enter the store, leaving their 3-year-old child unattended in the vehicle.
The police investigation revealed that the 3-year-old managed to get out of its safety seat and behind the wheel. The Dodge truck began moving and collided with Ailahni Sanchez Martinez, who was nearby. The young girl was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately died from her injuries.
Sandro Sanchez described the sudden chaos to a local media outlet. He recounted hearing screams and rushing to halt the vehicle by opening the door and pulling the brake, but it was already too late. Describing the rapid sequence of events, he noted that it took less than a minute for the accident to occur, resulting in his daughter’s fatal injuries.
The young girl was nearing her third birthday next month, and her family, instead of celebrating, is now arranging her funeral.
Authorities noted that all individuals connected to the incident cooperated with the investigation. As of yet, no arrests or charges have been made.
Grieving over his daughter, Sandro Sanchez, while sitting by a makeshift memorial at the accident site and holding his daughter’s framed photograph, expressed his desire for justice, criticizing the decision to let the truck owner go without charges.
The police have ensured a comprehensive investigation into the young girl’s death, which will encompass witness statements, evidence analysis, and surveillance video review. The findings will ultimately be forwarded to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office to decide on possible criminal charges against the truck owner.
Her mother, Rosa Martinez, described Ailahni as a constant source of happiness and joy, fond of dancing. She is mourned by her parents and two older brothers, aged 6 and 7.
The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses. The fundraising campaign has already generated over $23,000.
