Update: Head-on crash on Auberry Road leaves two dead in Fresno County, CHP says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- CHP on scene after a fatal crash at Auberry and Summit Mountain roads.
- Crash occurred about 11:30 a.m.; CHP confirmed at least one fatality.
- Auberry Road closed at Copper Avenue and Millerton Road.
A head-on collision killed two people Friday in the Fresno County foothills.
California Highway Patrol spokesperson Mike Salas said a Dodge Durango was traveling north on Auberry Road when it crossed the center lines and struck a Kia Soul head-on in the southbound lanes of Waterbury Road.
The crash was reported at 11:30 a.m.
The two people in the Kia Soul — a man and a woman in their 60s or 70s — were pronounced dead at the scene, Salas said.
The 21-year-old driver of the Durango was not injured and is cooperating with authorities.
Alcohol or drugs are not suspected as factors in the crash, Salas said, but the driver was placed under arrest based on witness statements and physical evidence.
The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene.
The Durango driver was identified as Lazaro Hernandez who was booked into the Fresno County jail and charged with two counts of felony gross vehicular manslaughter.
“Although marijuana and the odor of marijuana were detected inside the vehicle, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluation was conducted by CHP, who ruled out impairment,” authorities said.
Auberry Road will remain closed at Copper Avenue and Millerton Road until at least 3 p.m.
This story was originally published January 16, 2026 at 12:58 PM.
