Update: CHP says reckless driver was seen just before Madera County crash that killed 4
.jpeg "The California Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash in Madera County that happened on Friday, April 8, 2022.")
One of two vehicles involved in a collision that killed four people on a dark Madera County road was believed to have been driving recklessly in the minutes before the crash, California Highway Patrol investigators said Saturday.
Names of those killed just before midnight Friday on Highway 41 near Highway 145 remained unavailable as the county coroner’s office worked to compare dental and other records.
Both vehicles caught fire with four people — two in each vehicle — trapped inside.
The cars collided head-on and witnesses told officers that they saw the people pinned in the vehicles. A four-door black Honda Accord and possibly a two-door Scion tC were believed to have been involved.
The crash happened at Highway 41 and Avenue 15, with traffic closed off in both directions along the highway for three hours.
Other motorists reportedly had witnessed one of the cars traveling erratically as it headed south on the highway toward Fresno, but it was not known Saturday if law enforcement had the chance in real time to react to the information.
Investigators hope to release more details by Monday.
Lack of lighting adds to rural danger
Madera CHP Officer Javier Ruvalcaba said the crash is a reminder that drivers should be extra cautious when driving in rural areas, where there is little, if any, lighting.
“We don’t have street lights in the area,” he said. “Be alert and be reactive and always be aware of your surroundings especially when you’re driving at night.
“There is a possibility that people may be tired, distracted or driving under the influence. Just always have to be alert when you’re out on any road. Most important, a non-lit highway.”
This story was originally published April 9, 2022 at 6:48 PM.
