FRESNO COUNTY – A car accident involving a disabled vehicle in the middle of the highway resulted in the death of Carlos Sandoval Jr., as well as major injuries of a child and passenger.
On May 17, at approximately 2:25 a.m., the CHP received reports of a blacked-out vehicle stopped in the center lane of southbound Highway 41, north of the 180. Moments later, additional reports were called in that a vehicle had crashed with the disabled vehicle. Several CHP units and emergency personnel responded to the scene.
Preliminary investigation indicates Sandoval, 31, of Selma was driving a Toyota Camry southbound on Highway 41 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle stopped in the center lane. A 33-year-old female from Fresno was also driving a Kia Optima southbound on Highway 41 in the center lane, directly in the path of the Toyota. She crashed into the rear of the Toyota.
The crash caused both vehicles to spin out of control, coming to rest in the far right and far left lanes of the highway. A 3-year-old child riding in the Kia was restrained with a seatbelt, but was not secured in a child safety seat as required by law.Â
The child sustained major life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. An adult male passenger in the Kia also suffered major injuries and was also transported for medical treatment.Â
The driver of the Toyota was also transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Alcohol impairment is suspected to have been a factor involving the driver of the Toyota, pending toxicology and coroner analysis. The investigation is ongoing.
CHP reminds the public that proper child restraint systems are critical in preventing serious injuries during traffic collisions. Drivers should also remain alert for disabled vehicles and other roadway hazards, especially during nighttime driving conditions.
