FRESNO – A driver’s attempt to pass another car quickly turns into a fatal vehicle collision accident, resulting in two men dead at the scene and three others with major injuries.
On Sept. 15 at approximately 10:15 p.m., the Fresno Area California Highway Patrol (CHP) Communications Center received a notification of a two-vehicle injury crash on State Route 43 near Davis Avenue. Officers from the Fresno Area CHP and emergency personnel responded to the scene.
Preliminary investigation indicates an 18-year-old male of Fresno, was driving a Toyota Camry southbound on State Route 43 near Davis Avenue. Two passengers were riding in the Camry along with the driver; they were a 15-year-old male of Fresno and another 18-year-old male who was also from Fresno.
The driver of the Camry approached a slower moving vehicle directly in front of him and attempted to pass. The Camry moved to the left, crossing over a solid yellow line, which is a no passing line.
As the Camry entered the opposing lane, a Land Rover was traveling northbound on State Route 43, directly into the path of Camry. The 57-year-old male driver of the Land Rover was unable to avoid the Camry as both vehicles collided head-on.
The driver and right front passenger of the Camry sustained critical injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. The Camry’s rear passenger, and the Land Rover’s driver and 56-year-old passenger, all sustained major injuries and were transported to the Community Regional Medical Center for treatment.
It is believed all occupants of the Camry were using Marijuana prior to the crash; however, this is pending toxicology results. The 15-year-old deceased passenger was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which may have contributed to his injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
