Selma man booked on DUI in fatal Highway 180 crash near Minkler

A Selma man was booked on charges of driving under in influence after a Fresno woman was killed Monday in a head-on collision on Highway 180 near Minkler.

He was identified as Jose Martinez, 40. The victim was Rosario Montalvo, 47.

The crash took place about 1 p.m. as Martinez was westbound on 180 east of Rio Vista Drive while under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol. He veered into the eastbound lane in a 2004 Chevrolet Blazer and slammed into a 2011 Ford Explorer driven by Jose Sandoval, 58, of Fresno.

The crash caused the Blazer to careen off the roadway and the Explorer came to rest blocking both directions of the highway. The Montalvo, in the front passenger seat of the Explorer, died at the scene. Sandoval sustained major injuries and was taken to Community Regional Medical Center, as were two other passengers, Yesenia Montalvo, 21, and Jose Sandoval Jr., 25, both of Fresno.

Martinez sustained moderate injuries and was also taken to CRMC, where he was booked on the charges.

This story was originally published July 30, 2019 at 7:57 AM.