California Highway Patrol continues to investigate a multi-car pileup on Interstate 5 that left three people dead and seven others with serious injuries. The crash involved six vehicles and was allegedly caused by a speeding and negligent big rig operator. CHP believes that the truck was not paying attention and rammed into the back of multiple slowed or stopped vehicles- killing two adults and one two-year old child.

Two adults were killed at the accident scene when their vehicle erupted into a blaze of smoke and fire. In another vehicle, a small child was trapped in the backseat despite valiant efforts by the drivers and other bystanders to attempt rescue. All three decedents perished as a result of excessive thermal injuries.

Victims’ identities have not been released.

The accident occurred around 12:35 on Monday in an area east of Woodland, California on Interstate 5 just south of the Highway 113 turnoff. Seven other people were injured in the collision and all were taken to area hospitals. As of Tuesday afternoon, all but two have been released.

Of the six cars involved in the pileup, five exploded into flames and continued to burn until CHP was able to extinguish the blazes. Burning vehicles in the center median ignited grass and debris causing even further damage.

I-5 has reopened after being closed for nine hours following the crash.