A tragic Mother's Day accident in Conroe, Texas claimed the life of a 3-year-old girl and left her family reeling from the event. According to ABC13, a white Toyota Camry, carrying a mother and her two daughters, was parked on the inside shoulder of I-45 northbound due to a blown tire when a blue Honda Civic driven by 55-year-old Donald Carson collided with them. The crash occurred at around 8:15 p.m. and resulted in both vehicles being engulfed in flames.
Quick actions by bystanders enabled them to successfully rescue the 26-year-old mother, Shavhon Hassane, and her 5-year-old daughter, Chloe, from the burning wreckage. Unfortunately, they were unable to save 3-year-old Camiria, who died at the scene. Both survivors were taken to a hospital with severe burns and injuries. Donald Carson, the Civic's driver, was reported by FOX 26 to have shown signs of impairment at the time of the accident and was arrested on charges including intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault following his hospitalization.
The Conroe Police Department explained that the impromptu help came from people of all races, underscoring a moment of unity in face of tragedy as described by an eyewitness to FOX 26: "The [saddest] part is we didn't get the baby," they said. "There was a lot of help from a lot of people, all races. In that moment, there was a brotherhood of different races: immigrants, Hispanic and others. I feel that should be the focus, so much help from everyone. So I think that's something we have to emphasize. At the end of the day we are all humans."
Camiria's family is mourning her loss and attempting to cope with the trauma. Reflecting on the loss of her niece, Essence Ganious told FOX 26, "My little niece, we live together that's the first person who greets me when I get home from work, so to not have that anymore hurts." A touching candlelight vigil is set be held to honor Camiria, and a GoFundMe page has been established in order to support the family with medical expenses and recovery efforts following the devastating incident.
Donald Carson's history includes a prior DUI conviction in 2003 and an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon conviction in 1992, as per FOX 26. Records indicate that for the DUI, he pleaded no contest, receiving a sentence including court confinement and probation, while for the assault he was given deferred adjudication. He will be transferred to Montgomery County Jail upon release from the hospital, where he will face his recent charges.
