Four people were killed and one was critically injured early Sunday after a vehicle fleeing deputies crashed in Madera County, authorities said.

At approximately 1:10 a.m., the Madera County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls reporting subjects breaking into vehicles in the area of El Vado Drive and Avenue 18 1/2.

Deputies responded and located a vehicle matching the description provided by callers. Authorities said the vehicle immediately fled at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle later lost control and was involved in a single-vehicle collision at Avenue 17 and Highway 99.

Deputies arrived and discovered four occupants dead at the scene. One male passenger was transported by helicopter to a hospital and was listed in critical condition.

Got a Tip?

The sheriff’s office said it will continue to investigate the reported vehicle burglaries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective M. Fullhart at (559) 675-2497, ext. 4120, or by email at Michael.fullhart@maderacounty.com.

Information may be provided confidentially by calling Crimestoppers at (559) 498-STOP, by texting “Tip MaderaSO” followed by a message to 888777, or through the Madera County Sheriff’s mobile app.

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