One killed in Highway 180 crash near Fresno after SUV crosses median. Victim ID’d

A 34-year-old Sanger woman died and two others suffered major injuries in a three-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon along Highway 180 east of Fresno.

The California Highway Patrol described the accident:

About 4:45 p.m., a man in a GMC Yukon was driving east on Highway 180 near DeWolf Avenue. Witnesses stated that his right rear tire blew out causing the SUV to cross the center median.

The out-of-control Yukon smashed into two oncoming vehicles, an Audi SUV and a Ford Focus.

The woman who was driving the Audi died at the scene, CHP said. She was identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Amanda Smith.

The man in the Yukon and the man driving the Focus both suffered major injuries and were taken to Community Regional Medical Center, CHP said.

There were no other people or vehicles involved in the collision, according to the CHP.

The CHP said a preliminary investigation indicates neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to have been a factor in the crash.

This story was originally published April 10, 2021 at 6:25 PM.