Four people injured, one thrown from SUV in major crash in Fresno County

Four men were hospitalized Sunday morning following a crash on Interstate 5 in western Fresno County.

California Highway Patrol Officer Walter Kennedy said four out of eight men inside a black Lexus SUV were injured. One of the passengers suffered major head trauma and was flown to the hospital. Three others were transported by ambulance, Kennedy said.

Around 8:28 a.m., the SUV collided with a vehicle being pulled by an RV in the northbound lanes of I-5, just south of Derrick Avenue. The CHP suspects the SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed before drifting onto the right shoulder and colliding with the RV’s vehicle, officers said.

The SUV overturned on the right-hand lane of I-5 and the man who suffered major head injuries was ejected. The CHP is investigating whether the men were wearing seatbelts. The driver of the RV remained on scene and was cooperating in the crash investigation.

Kennedy said the accident does not appear to be drug-related. The men, who are roughly between 18 and 21 years old, were on a road trip.