One dead in Highway 99 crash in southern Fresno County, CHP says. DUI suspected
A fatal traffic collision on Highway 99 south of Fresno left traffic backed up late Monday, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A Chevrolet Express van and a Ford Explorer collided about 9:15 p.m. while going north on Highway 99 south of Second Street, officer Mike Salas said.
The driver of the van was believed to be intoxicated and did not stop as the van approached the slower moving SUV, Salas said.
The crash propelled the SUV northeast and into a temporary concrete barrier, CHP said. That part of Highway 99 is under construction.
The left rear passenger in the Ford, a 71-year-old Clovis woman, was killed by her injuries, CHP said. The other three in the SUV were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.
She was identified about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday as Maria Trinidad Esquivel by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office.
The 61-year-old man from Van Nuys driving the van was not injured but was arrested for the alleged DUI, CHP said.
He was in custody Tuesday morning, according to Fresno County Jail records, though his bail was not immediately available.
The freeway was reduced to one lane but has since reopened, CHP said.
This story was originally published October 17, 2023 at 7:09 AM.
