Two people were killed in a head-on crash Friday morning on Auberry Road west of Summit Mountain Road, and a 21-year-old man was arrested, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol Fresno Communications Center received multiple calls about the two-vehicle crash at about 11:30 a.m.

Investigators said Lazaro Hernandez, 21, was driving a white Dodge Durango eastbound on Auberry Road at about 70 mph with a suspended driver license. As he entered a slight curve in the roadway, Hernandez crossed over the double yellow lines into the westbound lane, nearly colliding with another vehicle before continuing into opposing traffic.

A Kia Soul occupied by a male and female couple believed to be in their 70s was traveling westbound when it was struck head-on by the Dodge in the westbound lane, CHP said. Both occupants of the Kia were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities are pending notification by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office, CHP said.

Hernandez reported no injuries, according to CHP.

Based on witness statements and physical evidence, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene and agreed with CHP recommendations to arrest Hernandez. He was booked into the Fresno County Jail and will be charged with two counts of felony gross vehicular manslaughter.

Although marijuana and the odor of marijuana were detected inside the Dodge, CHP said a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation ruled out impairment.

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