Driver killed in fiery crash near Fresno airport after colliding with another car, then tree

The driver of a pickup that caught fire after crashing into a tree died Tuesday night, despite efforts of two officers who pulled him from the burning vehicle, near Fresno Yosemite International Airport, police reported.

McKinley Avenue was shut down between Peach and Helm avenues after the crash.

Occupants of another car were also injured in the collision near the intersection of McKinley and Helm avenues.

Lt. Zeb Price said police received a call about the crash at 9:45 p.m. and arrived to find the male driver, in his late 20s, still in the truck after it slammed into the tree.

Two women officers pulled him free from the truck just as it began to catch fire.

The victim was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center, but did not survive.

Occupants of the second vehicle involved in the crash were treated for injuries several blocks away.

Police were trying to determine how the crash happened, but it appeared the truck may have hit rear-ended the other car then careened into the tree.

This story was originally published June 13, 2023 at 11:30 PM.