Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Driver in Fresno County Crash That Killed 9 Was Drunk, Feds Say
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 4 years ago on
April 30, 2021

Share

The driver of an SUV involved in a western Fresno County crash that killed nine, including seven children, was drunk and didn’t have a license, federal investigators said Thursday in a preliminary report.

“The NTSB is awaiting the results of further toxicology testing for both drivers and will evaluate the potential role of alcohol and drug impairment in this crash. Medical and human performance evaluations will also examine whether driver fatigue, distraction, or medical conditions were factors in the crash.” — National Transportation Safety Board, preliminary report 

The children, who were between 6 and 15 years old, were members of two related families traveling with a 34-year-old woman in a Ford F-150 truck that was struck by a Dodge Journey SUV on New Year’s Day along rural State Route 33.

The crash site was between the towns of Avenal and Coalinga about 50 miles outside of  Fresno.

Driver Had Twice Legal Blood-Alcohol Level

The preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board found the 28-year-old driver of the Dodge had a blood-alcohol level more than double the state’s legal limit. He did not have a driver’s license, the report said.

Both drivers had marijuana in their systems, according to the report.

The cause of the head-on crash remains under investigation by the NTSB and the California Highway Patrol.

“The NTSB is awaiting the results of further toxicology testing for both drivers and will evaluate the potential role of alcohol and drug impairment in this crash. Medical and human performance evaluations will also examine whether driver fatigue, distraction, or medical conditions were factors in the crash,” the preliminary report said.

Ford Truck Burst Into Flames

The Dodge was traveling southbound on the highway when it veered onto the dirt shoulder for an unknown reason, investigators said. The driver then overcorrected and swerved into the southbound lane, where it struck the Ford.

The Ford burst into flames on the dirt shoulder, while the Dodge came to a stop straddling both lanes of the highway, according to investigators.

Officials said at the time that weather or other road conditions did not appear to be a factor, officials said.

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

California Proposes Allowing Testing of Self-Driving Heavy-Duty Trucks

DON'T MISS

Higher Taxes on Millionaires? Trump Says He’s Open, but Many in His Party Are Not

DON'T MISS

Ex-US Rep. George Santos Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Prison for Fraud and Identity Theft

DON'T MISS

Selma Mayor Charged With Electioneering Violation on Election Day

DON'T MISS

Fresno Air Improves. Where Does It Rank in the US?

DON'T MISS

As Harris Ponders Run for CA Governor, Is She Prepared for the Daunting Job?

DON'T MISS

Stocks Rise With Tech-Related Shares, Notch Weekly Gains; Dollar Up

DON'T MISS

Conflicting US-China Talks Statements Add to Global Trade Confusion

DON'T MISS

Driving Near the Fresno Airport Next Week? Plan for Road Closures

DON'T MISS

Misty Her: Push for Fresno Unified Turnaround Starts Now With ‘Boots on the Ground’

UP NEXT

Fresno Air Improves. Where Does It Rank in the US?

UP NEXT

Driving Near the Fresno Airport Next Week? Plan for Road Closures

UP NEXT

Fresno Man Arrested in 2004 Cold Case Rape and Murder

UP NEXT

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Willie Ray Butler

UP NEXT

Fresno Ranks Fourth in US for an Affordable Night Out

UP NEXT

Fresno Man Tased, Arrested After Suspected Reckless DUI in Kerman

UP NEXT

Madera Vehicle Burglary Leads to Arrests, Gang Charges for Juveniles

UP NEXT

Beware of Scammers Saying You Won the Publishers Clearing House Drawing

UP NEXT

On Major Economic Decisions, Trump Blinks, and Then Blinks Again

UP NEXT

Candi Is the Dandy to Add a Little Sweetness to Your Life

Selma Mayor Charged With Electioneering Violation on Election Day

2 hours ago

Fresno Air Improves. Where Does It Rank in the US?

3 hours ago

As Harris Ponders Run for CA Governor, Is She Prepared for the Daunting Job?

3 hours ago

Stocks Rise With Tech-Related Shares, Notch Weekly Gains; Dollar Up

4 hours ago

Conflicting US-China Talks Statements Add to Global Trade Confusion

4 hours ago

Driving Near the Fresno Airport Next Week? Plan for Road Closures

4 hours ago

Misty Her: Push for Fresno Unified Turnaround Starts Now With ‘Boots on the Ground’

4 hours ago

Fresno Police Arrest 17 in Domestic Violence Crackdown

5 hours ago

What’s Next for Fresno Smoke Shop Ordinance: Lawsuit, Veto, Override?

5 hours ago

Visalia Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2019 Fatal Stabbing

6 hours ago

California Proposes Allowing Testing of Self-Driving Heavy-Duty Trucks

LOS ANGELES — California regulators have released a new proposal to allow the testing of self-driving heavy duty trucks on public roads. The...

2 hours ago

2 hours ago

California Proposes Allowing Testing of Self-Driving Heavy-Duty Trucks

2 hours ago

Higher Taxes on Millionaires? Trump Says He’s Open, but Many in His Party Are Not

2 hours ago

Ex-US Rep. George Santos Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Prison for Fraud and Identity Theft

Selma Mayor Scott Robertson (left) has been charged with misdemeanor electioneering for allegedly campaigning near voters at a polling place during the November 2024 election. (Facebook)
2 hours ago

Selma Mayor Charged With Electioneering Violation on Election Day

3 hours ago

Fresno Air Improves. Where Does It Rank in the US?

3 hours ago

As Harris Ponders Run for CA Governor, Is She Prepared for the Daunting Job?

4 hours ago

Stocks Rise With Tech-Related Shares, Notch Weekly Gains; Dollar Up

A drone view shows containers at the terminals at the port in Kwai Chung in Hong Kong, China, April 3, 2025. (REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo)
4 hours ago

Conflicting US-China Talks Statements Add to Global Trade Confusion

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend