Update: Woman ID’d in fatal DUI crash, injuring 4 including a child in Fresno County
A woman was killed and four people were injured, including a child, in a suspected DUI crash in Fresno County.
The fatal collision occurred at 8:30 p.m. Saturday on Floral Avenue, at the intersection with Willow Avenue, the California Highway Patrol said.
CHP said a 24-year-old man was driving a Toyota east on Floral when he crossed over the center line in an attempt to make a left turn onto Willow. The Toyota entered the westbound lane and collided head-on with an oncoming Nissan driven by a 61-year-old woman.
The right-front passenger of the Toyota, a 28-year-old woman, was not wearing a seat belt and suffered critical injuries. She was taken to Community Regional Medical Center but was pronounced dead.
She was identified by the coroner as Michelle Lawrence, 28, of Fresno.
A 9-year-old girl seated in the right rear of the Toyota was wearing a seat belt but suffered major injuries and was also taken to CRMC.
The driver of the Toyota had moderate injuries and was taken to CRMC.
The driver of the Nissan, along with the right-front passenger, both had moderate injuries and were taken to CRMC.
CHP spokesperson Mike Salas said it was determined the driver of the Toyota was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He will be booked into the Fresno County Jail after he’s discharged from the hospital.
“This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the deadly consequences of impaired driving,” Salas said. “We urge all drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this devastating crash.”
The investigation is ongoing and the CHP is asking anyone with information to call 559-262-0400.
This story was originally published January 5, 2025 at 7:41 PM.
