'Nightmare' Continues For Norristown Family, More Crash Victims In Critical Condition

NORRISTOWN, PA — A community is in mourning after three Norristown families heading up to Niagara Falls for vacation were involved in an accident, killing a pregnant mother, her baby, and a 12-year-old boy. At least eight of the other victims of the crash remain hospitalized, with some in critical, life-threatening condition, according to the family and authorities.

The family was traveling in a large 2005 Ford E-350 passenger van northbound on I-390 when a tire blew out near Wayland, New York. The driver lost control of the vehicle and it slammed into the median before flipping several times.

A GoFundMe for the family has been launched to help with medical bills and funeral expenses. The family has roots in Mexico and hopes to raise enough funds to at least send the body of the deceased baby, Maximiliano, back home.

"What was supposed to be a fun filled family weekend became a nightmare," family friend Dulce Andrade wrote in a GoFundMe, translated from the original Spanish. "We beg of you to reach into your hearts and help support them in any way you can. We will infinitely appreciate anything you can provide, big or small, everything will help."

See original story: Pregnant Mother, Baby, Child From Norristown Killed In NY Crash

One of the victims, Alex Andrade, 12, was declared dead at the scene of the crash. The pregnant mother, Margarita Ramirez-Luna, 40, was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries. Police said that the hospital was able to deliver infant Maximiliano, but that the baby died shortly thereafter.

Margarita was a dedicated and active member of the community in Norristown, serving for years as a volunteer with Buffalo Ladies of Charity, a nonprofit assisting impoverished women in the region.

"Please pray for Margarita, her infant and all those who also died or were injured and all the families as they deal with this tragedy," the organization shared on Tuesday.

Rosario Ramirez-Luna, 43, remains in a coma at Nicholas-Noyes Hospital in Dansville, New York, the family said. She has suffered severe brain trauma.

Maria Guadalupe-Ramirez, 49, and Elizabeth Ramirez-Luna, 37, are waiting to have surgery to address their injuries.

Jorge Dolores-Gonzales, 34, the husband of Margarita, is in the hospital with his 18-month-old son, Mateas Ramirez, who is receiving treatment for his injuries.

Meanwhile, eight-year-old twins Daniel and David Estrada Ramirez, along with their 16-year-old sister Yasmin Estrada Ramirez, remain hospitalized under observation.

A total of $1,580 had been raised through 22 donations as of Wednesday afternoon. To learn more about the GoFundMe and to donate, see online here.

The crash remains under investigation by New York State Police.