Oakland man suspected of DUI after fatal head-on crash in Tulare County

An Oakland man suspected of driving while intoxicated slammed head-on into a van in Tulare County the day after Christmas, killing a Fresno woman and injuring four other adults, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The 33-year-old man was driving a white Kia Soul west on Avenue 384 when it crossed over the lane and hit a Chevy Astro just after 6 a.m. Thursday said CHP officer Ed Flynn. The crash happened just west of Monson Drive, southeast of Dinuba.

The driver of the van and all four of his female passengers were taken to Kaweah Delta Medical Center in Visalia.

A 59-year-old woman seated in the middle seat died of her injuries, Flynn said. The driver is 39 years old, the front passenger, 36 years old, and two rear passengers are 21 and 43. All five are from Fresno.

The driver of the Kia was airlifted to Kaweah Delta with serious injuries. He was the only person in the vehicle.

Flynn said the man is from Oakland, but may have been visiting family in the area for the holiday. Upon his release, he will be booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility on DUI charges.

None of the people involved were named by the CHP.