69-Year-Old Woman ‘Decapitated’ by Trash Truck While Crossing ‘Dangerous’ Street in Santa Ana, Calif.

A tragic incident unfolded on a Californian street as a 69-year-old woman was fatally struck by a trash truck while crossing a road. The victim, Maria Rubalcava, met with a devastating collision at approximately 7:56 a.m. in the 600 block of S. Shelton Street in Santa Ana on Wednesday, Nov. 19, according to authorities.

The Santa Ana Police Department was alerted to the incident after receiving multiple calls reporting the collision in the residential area of Shelton and Bishop Streets. Upon arrival at the scene, officers and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) discovered that a trash truck had collided with a pedestrian. The pedestrian, identified as Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga, was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene by OCFA.

Reports from Fox 11 and ABC7 indicated that Rubalcava was “decapitated” in the incident. The Santa Ana Police Department has been contacted for further comment on the case. The truck driver involved in the collision cooperated with the investigation and remained at the scene, as confirmed by authorities.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the trash truck was travelling eastbound on Bishop St. when it made a right turn onto southbound Shelton St. at a roundabout, leading to the collision with Rubalcava as she crossed the street. Residents in the area expressed concerns about the intersection’s safety, labelling it as “dangerous” and calling for additional safety measures such as stop signs.

Local neighbours shared that Rubalcava was a community member who was on her way to the grocery store at the time of the tragic incident. The garbage truck involved in the collision was subsequently towed away from the scene. The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety measures and vigilance while crossing streets, especially in areas where traffic conditions may pose risks to pedestrians. The community mourns the loss of Maria Rubalcava, and efforts to enhance safety at the intersection where the incident occurred may be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s thorough investigation aims to provide answers and insights into the sequence of events that led to this devastating loss. As details continue to emerge, it is imperative for authorities and residents alike to work collaboratively towards ensuring the safety of all road users in the community. The tragic passing of Maria Rubalcava underscores the significance of road safety awareness and measures in preventing untimely and heartbreaking accidents.