Horror at School Gates as Grandmother is Killed
A 69-year-old grandmother, who had recently beaten pancreatic cancer, was decapitated in a horrific collision with a bin lorry witnessed by horrified schoolchildren and parents. The tragic incident occurred in Santa Ana, California, on Wednesday morning, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Tragic Collision
Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga was crossing West Bishop Street at approximately 7am on Wednesday when she was struck by the refuse vehicle. The accident happened on a roundabout near Pio Pico Elementary School, where young pupils and their families saw the devastating event unfold.
Emergency services, including officers from the local police department and the Orange County Fire Authority, rushed to the scene following multiple distress calls. Despite their rapid response, Ms de Ruesga was pronounced dead at the location.
Community in Mourning After Shock Loss
The Santa Ana Unified School District swiftly deployed a crisis team to support the traumatised children and school staff who witnessed the accident. The psychological impact of seeing such a traumatic event is being carefully managed by professionals.
According to police reports, the bin lorry driver remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators as they work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
A GoFundMe campaign set up to help cover funeral expenses revealed that Maria had successfully battled pancreatic cancer and had been in remission for about a year. The fundraiser description poignantly stated: "After battling pancreatic cancer and finally being in remission for a year, she was just beginning to feel like herself again."
By Sunday evening, the campaign had raised more than $7,100 towards giving Maria the "beautiful, dignified farewell she deserves." The page described her as a "loving, caring, and strong" woman whose sudden loss has left her family "in complete shock."
