2 die after pickup driver attempts unsafe pass on 41 near Caruthers, CHP reports
The driver of a Nissan pickup was killed along with another driver early Wednesday on Highway 41 in Fresno, the California Highway Patrol reported.
One of the victims was identified as 40-year-old Kenneth Atkins of Madera.
The crash took place about 6:10 a.m. at 41 and Elkhorn Avenue, near Caruthers, according to CHP spokesman Mike Salas. He said the Nissan driver was northbound on the highway and attempted to pass slower traffic while approaching Elkhorn. The driver of a GMC Yukon, who was southbound, swerved to avoid the Nissan and was sideswiped before the Nissan slammed a Hyundai that was following the GMC.
Upon impact, the Nissan caught fire and the driver died at the scene, as did the Hyundai driver. The highway was closed for several hours after the crash as the CHP investigated the incident.
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This story was originally published September 16, 2020 at 10:34 AM.