A roadway between Fresno and Madera Ranchos was closed Friday morning following a fatal crash involving a big rig and two cars, the California Highway Patrol said.
A 39-year-old Kerman man driving a big rig going west on Avenue 12 near Riverstone Boulevard about 5:40 a.m. and for unknown reasons failed to see a 2017 Chrysler stopped in the lane while waiting to turn left, the CHP said in a news release.
The Peterbilt big rig slammed into the rear of the Chrysler driven by a 21-year-old Fresno man, pushing the car southwest from the lane and causing the Chrysler to overturn, CHP said.
The big rig also traveled into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a 2013 Nissan, CHP said. Both the big rig and the Nissan continued off the roadway and struck three trees.
The 31-year-old woman driving the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene, CHP said. The Chrysler driver suffered minor injuries and the big rig driver was not hurt, CHP said.
Officers said they do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.
The roadway was closed for several hours on Avenue 12 between Riverstone and Road 40, CHP said about 9 a.m. on social media. Officers said the roadway had since re-opened.
The road just north of Fresno and west of Highway 41 is a popular commuter road for people who live in the Madera Ranchos.
Source Agencies
