California Highway Patrol officers are investigating a fatal crash Monday afternoon on Highway 126 that left a mother dead, her two children in critical condition and several others injured.

Based on their initial investigation, CHP officers suspect the crash might have been caused by Jonathan Castro, 26, of Tulare, who, for an unknown reason, drove a cargo van into the eastbound left-hand turn lane on Highway 126 at Center Street.

In the turn lane, the van collided with a stopped car driven by Maria Paniagua, 41, of Filmore, and her car was pushed into the intersection, according to the CHP’s preliminary report.

Paniagua was ejected from her vehicle as a result of the collision, and her car was pushed into oncoming westbound traffic. It’s not known if safety equipment was used by the woman and her two back-seat passengers — this is still under investigation by CHP officers.

Her car then collided with oncoming traffic and four additional vehicles became involved for a total of six vehicles. The extent of the other driver’s injuries is not known.

The children of the woman who died in the crash were airlifted to area hospitals and they are believed to be in critical condition. Their ages were not immediately available. 

The crash prompted a SigAlert and a closure of east- and west-bound traffic Monday afternoon so CHP officers could investigate and clear the scene.

Any potential witnesses are asked to call the CHP Moorpark office at 805-553-0800.

No arrests have been made at this time.