Update: 2 killed in head-on crash southwest of Fresno identified by coroner
Two people were killed Sunday night in a head-on crash in Kings County.
The crash happened on Highway 33, just south of Highway 198 at 9:40 p.m.
The California Highway Patrol said a man was driving a Lexus sedan at a high rate of speed northbound within the southbound lane of Highway 33 — going the wrong way — just south of Highway 198.
Another man was driving a Honda sedan southbound, within the southbound lanes on Highway 33 approaching the Lexus sedan at an unknown speed where the Honda was unable to avoid a crash with the Lexus and crashed head-on, CHP said.
The impact caused the driver of the Honda to be ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead. The Lexus sedan became fully engulfed in flames, trapping the driver inside. The driver of the Lexus was also pronounced dead.
They were identified as Mark Villalvazo, 32, and Julio Mendez, 24, of Coalinga.
It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this crash.
Anyone with information is asked to call CHP at 559-935-2093.
This story was originally published January 13, 2025 at 12:41 PM.
