A tragic car accident claimed the lives of five members of a Texas family during a Mother’s Day weekend trip.
The Celda family, which included three daughters aged 18 to 26, was traveling from Houston to Dallas when a Dodge truck swerved on Interstate 45, collided with the guardrail at around 3:15 PM on Saturday.
The driver broke through the median, resulting in a crash with their Ford F-150, causing both vehicles to burst into flames, as reported by the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department.
Veronica Celda, 53, and her husband, Ermenegildo Melendez, 55, died at the scene alongside their daughters Dennis Celda, 26, Rebecca Celda, 20, and Daniela Celda, 18.
“It breaks my heart because they deserved better,” said family friend Gillian de Haro.
“This wasn’t meant to happen to them,” she added, pointing out the family’s close-knit nature.
As smoke billowed from the wreckage, many drivers stopped to help.
“The fire was intense,” said Mujitaba Quadri, who arrived with his wife.
“There were at least seven people trying to do something; it was chaotic,” he recalled.
Some good Samaritans were able to pull the Dodge driver, Triano Fair, 42, from his burning vehicle, but unfortunately, they couldn’t save his family.
Quadri expressed his grief, saying, “Imagine how it feels not to be able to save them. It’s heartbreaking.”
The driver, Fair, was hospitalized in serious condition, officials noted.
Gillian, a friend of Dennis’ eldest daughter, described the situation as devastating.
“She was the kind of person every mom wants for their child—a true lifelong friend,” she said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral and memorial expenses.
According to the fundraising page, the Celda family was known for their loving, kind nature, and their sudden loss will leave a void in the hearts of many.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
