In a tragic incident in California, a 3-year-old child managed to maneuver a truck, leading to the untimely death of a 2-year-old girl named Ailahni Sanchez Martinez. The accident occurred near a taco stand at the edge of a parking lot at a gas station on West Street in Woodland, just northwest of Sacramento, this past Saturday afternoon.
According to Woodland police, the emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 4 p.m., where they learned that the toddler had been rushed to the hospital by family members but sadly succumbed to her injuries.
The police investigation revealed a heart-wrenching series of events where a truck, left running by its owner at a gas pump, became the unintended vehicle of the accident. The 3-year-old child, initially seated in the back seat of a car seat, climbed into the driver’s seat after the owner stepped away to enter the gas station store. This led to the truck moving and tragically striking Ailahni, told NBC affiliate KCRA of Sacramento.
Ailahni, described by her mother Rosa Martinez as a joyful child who loved to dance and was a source of happiness for her family, was approaching her third birthday in just a month. Her family was in the midst of setting up their taco stand when the truck began moving backward towards her. Sandro Sanchez, Ailahni’s father, recounted the horror of witnessing the truck approach his daughter despite his efforts to save her, expressing his profound grief and desire for justice following the loss of his daughter due to what he views as the negligence of another.
In the wake of this devastating event, the community has rallied around the family, setting up an online fundraiser to help with their expenses during this incredibly difficult time. The Woodland police have noted the cooperative nature of everyone involved in the ongoing investigation. Although no arrests have been made, the case is expected to be forwarded to the local district attorney’s office for review once the investigation is concluded.
This incident has left the community in mourning, highlighting the unpredictable nature of accidents and the profound impact they can have on families and bystanders. The loss of young Ailahni under such tragic circumstances serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety measures, especially in environments where children are present. Thus far, the GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $20,000 of its $25,000 goal.
