A tragic wrong-way collision on southbound Highway 99 near Shaw Avenue in Fresno claimed the lives of two people early Saturday morning, the California Highway Patrol said in a statement.

Related Story: Fresno Couple Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges

CHP’s Fresno Communications Center received multiple reports of a wrong-way driver traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of the freeway at 7:18 a.m.

According to CHP, a Paul Weldon, 64, of Fresno, driving a Lexus ES300 in the wrong direction collided head-on with a Ford F-150 driven by a 47-year-old man. The Lexus entered the freeway from Ashlan Avenue, authorities said.

The force of the impact caused both vehicles to spin into a third vehicle, a Honda Civic driven by a 26-year-old man.

Related Story: Tulare County Drive-By Shooting Leaves One Injured

Weldon, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene. Mariana Perez Tinajero, 73, of Selma, a passenger in the Ford F-150, who was wearing her seatbelt, also died as a result of her injuries.

The Fresno County Sheriff – Coroner’s Office identified Weldon and Tinajero Monday afternoon.

Five other occupants of the Ford F-150 sustained injuries ranging from moderate to major and were transported to Community Regional Medical Center, authorities said.

The driver of the Honda Civic was treated and released with minor injuries.

Related Story: Clovis Man Arrested With Loaded Gun, Meth, and Children in Car

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities waiting on toxicology reports from the Fresno County Coroner’s Office to determine if alcohol or drugs were factors.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.