Two who died in head-on Hwy. 180 crash identified, including suspected DUI driver

Two people died in a suspected alcohol-involved head-on collision on a stretch of Highway 180 west of Fresno on Monday night.

Four others, including an infant, were injured in the crash, which happened near James Road around 6:30 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

A man was driving a Ford Explorer west on 180 when he lost control of the SUV and crossed into the highway’s eastbound traffic. He collided with a Honda Odyssey, driven by a 21-year-man from Kerman. A third man flipped his truck trying to avoid the accident.

The driver of the Explorer and the driver of the Odyssey died at the scene, the CHP said.

While the investigation into the crash continues, alcohol is suspected as a factor for the driver who lost control, the CHP said.

The Fresno County Coroner’s Office on Tuesday identified the accused DUI driver who died as Jorge Mira, 33, of Kerman.

The driver of the Odyssey who died was identified by the coroner’s office as Manuel Landaverde, 21, of Kerman (may have since moved to Mendota).

Three passengers inside the Odyssey — a 24-year-old woman, a 16-year-old man and an infant — were taken to Community Regional Medical Center with moderate injures. The driver of the truck, a 61-year-old man from Mendota, was also transported to the hospital with moderate injuries.

All of the occupants appeared to have been wearing seat belts, the CHP said.

This story was originally published August 17, 2021 at 8:16 AM.