Ceres Woman Killed in California Aqueduct Accident
A Ceres woman was driving her vehicle near Westley on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 1, 2017. The woman allegedly lost control of her vehicle moments before driving over an embankment and into the waters of the California Aqueduct. Sadly, the woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Ani Shamamian who passed away in this devastating, heart-wrenching accident.
What Happened?
A Ceres woman was behind the wheel of her Toyota sedan westbound along Howard Road in the vicinity of the California Aqueduct. For unknown reasons, the woman allegedly lost control of her vehicle. The Toyota veered over the eastbound lane and struck a fence. The vehicle continued over berm moments before entering the canal bank and into the water. The woman contacted 911 to report that her vehicle was sinking in the aqueduct. The call was, unfortunately, disconnected moments after.
Crews Recover Sunken Vehicle
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene of the accident. Crews immediately arrived but were initially unable to pinpoint the site of the crash. They were eventually able to locate tire tracks along the roadway indicating where the vehicle entered the aqueduct. Stanislaus Towing Services also responded to the scene and utilized a handheld boat with sonar technology. The vehicle was discovered submerged in approximately 30 feet of water.
Vehicle Recovery Effort
The flow of water for the aqueduct was reduced by the California Department of Water Resources to assist in the recovery effort. The Stanislaus County dive team was called to the scene to recover the vehicle. Eventually, the body of the woman was found inside her vehicle. Unfortunately, the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. She was later identified as 54-year-old Ani Shamamian of Ceres.
Watch YouTube Video – By Modesto Bee – Vehicle Enters California Aqueduct Near Westley
The following video demonstrates the scene of the single-vehicle accident with the California Aqueduct.
What Caused the Accident?
The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Officials are investigating whether speed played a role in the collision.
Single Vehicle Accidents
When most people think of a single-vehicle accident, they automatically assume the accident was caused by driver error. However, this is not always the common cause of such accidents. These crashes may sometimes occur due to:
- A reckless motorist running another driver off the roadway
- A motorist unsafely overtaking another vehicle, causing that vehicle to swerve and collide with a fixed object and/or another car
- Hit-and-run drivers failing to identify themselves due to lack of insurance or warrants for their arrest
- Roadway defects such as poorly-placed or non-existent road signs to alert drivers of approaching hazards
- Defective vehicles or defective vehicle parts
If a party has lost their lives in a single-vehicle accident, it is important to contact an experienced Modesto car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney with years of experience can study the accident scene and sequence of events to thoroughly determine liability. This ultimately brings reassurance and closure to those affected by the loss of their loved ones.
Related Content by Edward A Smith:
Modesto Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. Single vehicle accidents can be life-changing experiences, especially when injuries or death occur as a result. If you or someone you love has been injured due to a car accident, please call me at (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly advice. I am also available to speak with you toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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Content Attribution: http://www.modbee.com/news/article182098781.html
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