Authorities have identified the victims of a fatal collision between a dune buggy and a Freightliner west of Fresno, which occurred early on Wednesday Aug. 21, 2024. (Shutterstock)
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Early Wednesday morning, the California Highway Patrol responded to a two-vehicle collision near Belmont and Westlawn avenues.
According to the initial investigation, a 52-year-old male was driving a Freightliner tractor-trailer eastbound on Belmont Avenue, approaching the intersection with Westlawn Avenue.
Miguel Ramirez Jr., 22, of Fresno, was operating a dune buggy-type off-road vehicle southbound on Westlawn Avenue, approaching the stop sign at Belmont Avenue. Christopher Fernandez, 27, also of Fresno, was a passenger in the dune buggy.
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As the Freightliner entered the intersection, Ramirez failed to stop at the stop sign and drove into the path of the Freightliner. the CHP said. The Freightliner driver was unable to avoid the collision and struck the dune buggy within the intersection.
Ramirez and Fernandez suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The dune buggy, which didn’t have lighting or other safety features, was not street-legal, authorities said. The Freightliner driver reported the crash immediately and stayed at the scene.
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No alcohol involvement has been reported for the Freightliner driver. Toxicology results will determine if alcohol played a role in the dune buggy driver’s actions. The investigation is ongoing.
