Three killed in fiery, multi-car crash in Fresno after driver flees from authorities at 100 mph

Three people died in a fiery multi-car crash late Saturday night in east-central Fresno that started when a driver tried fleeing from a sheriff’s deputy, according to Fresno Police.

It happened around 11 p.m. near Cedar and McKinley avenues.

Fresno Police Lt. Israel Reyes said a black Chevrolet Camaro was traveling around 100 mph on McKinley Avenue when it collided with multiple cars while attempting to flee from a Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy.

At least seven vehicles were involved in the deadly crash and five ended up engulfed in flames.

The Fresno County Coroner’s Office said Sunday afternoon that the three victims have not been identified yet. One is a man who was in a car by himself. The other two are women who were in a car together.

Police identified Francisco Portillo, 20, of Fresno as the driver of the Camaro. His girlfriend was also in the car, police said.

Reyes said a sheriff’s deputy noticed Portillo exited Highway 41 at a high rate of speed before fishtailing onto McKinley Avenue.

The deputy turned on his vehicle’s siren and emergency light to issue a traffic stop for reckless driving as Portillo sped off eastbound.

Reyes said the deputy eventually backed off from the pursuit around the First Street and McKinley intersection after Portillo ran a red light at a high rate of speed.

Two blocks later, police said, the deputy witnessed Portillo initiate the multi-vehicle crash, which caused an explosion at the busy Fresno intersection.

Video footage of the scene shows a group of emergency crew members working quickly to try to get people out of the burning vehicles.

Portillo and his girlfriend were taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where they were listed in critical but stable condition Sunday morning, police reported.

Reyes said Portillo is expected to face vehicle manslaughter charges, along with other charges. Police also are looking into whether drugs and alcohol were involved.

The three deceased victims were all believed to be adults, Reyes said. Their names and ages were not immediately released.

At least one other person was taken to CRMC, where police said the injured victim also was in critical but stable condition.

The Fresno Police collision reconstruction unit was examining the crash further.

This story was originally published March 20, 2021 at 11:58 PM.