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Probe into Turlock collision continues, as family deals with daughters injuries
collision victims
A Go Fund Me page has been established to help the two young girls seriously injured in a collision in Turlock on March 29. - photo by Photo Contributed

While the investigation into the collision that seriously injured two young girls in Turlock continues, the family of the children are seeking support for the long road of recovery awaiting both of them.

Around noon on March 29, Shawnta Lynnell was driving her Volvo with her daughters — Genevieve, 4, and Gia, 13 months — when they collided with an Acura at the intersection of Golden State Boulevard and Fulkerth Road/Hawkeye Avenue.

The Turlock Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team has been looking into the collision, which has now been classified as a criminal investigation. Little information about the cause of the collision has been released, but a surveillance video widely shared on social media sites has provided new details.

The video is from the vantage point of the businesses near the intersection. It shows the Acura traveling at a high rate of speed and broadsiding the Volvo that was making a left turn onto Golden State Boulevard. The Volvo spun several times before striking a Toyota pickup stopped for the red light at Golden State Boulevard.

Both girls were in child safety seats, but still sustained serious injuries that necessitated the use of two Medi-flight helicopters. One young girl was flown to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento and the second was transported by air to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera. Genevieve “sustained a permanent spinal cord injury and other serious conditions that are yet undetermined,” according to the family’s Go Fund Me page. On the fundraising page the family states that Genevieve is scheduled for surgery to stabilize her neck so she can be transferred to the same hospital as Gia. The family also said they are researching spinal cord specialists to assess and propose treatment for Genevieve's injuries.

Gia sustained a head injury from the crash. Doctors have removed her chest tube and she is progressing along, according the family’s Go Fund Me page. She does currently have a feeding tube.

Lynnell also was injured in the collision and has subsequently been released from an area hospital.

The male driver of the Acura had minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene. His name has not been released by the police department.

Sargis Mirza, 65, was driving the Toyota pickup and he was not injured in the crash.

The Go Fund Me Page is seeking donations to help the family with medical bills and travel and lodging expenses while the children are hospitalized out of the area.

“At this point, it would be difficult to estimate the cost, but obviously, it's going to be an arduous and expensive endeavor for this young family,” said Kimberlie Jo Orosco, who started the fundraising page. “Please keep them in your prayers, as this will be a long and difficult journey.”

The Go fund Me page can be located at https://www.gofundme.com/shawntas-babies-medical-fund.