From Trussville Tribune staff reports
CLANTON –According to the Alabama State Troopers office, an early Christmas morning wreck claimed the lives of Maria Rocha-Gomez, 40; Mariana Rocha-Gomez, 5; and Mariela Rocha-Gomez, 7, all of Clanton.
The driver, Luis Alberto Cruz, 33, was charged with three counts manslaughter after fleeing the scene. He is currently in the Chilton County jail.
Cruz survived the crash, but fled the scene, according to a statement from ALEA. He was later apprehended in Clanton and arrested by state troopers.
A male child also survived the crash and tried to save his mother and sisters.
The wreck occurred at 2 a.m. at the intersection of Chilton County roads 73 and 54 when the 2005 Nissan Altima in which they were riding left the road and went into a pond.
ALEA said a preliminary investigation indicates alcohol may have been a factor. None of the occupants were searing seat belts or child restraints.