Delano, California (April 4, 2026) — A 55-year-old man was killed, and several other people were injured Saturday night in a wrong-way crash on State Route 99 near Ninth Avenue in Delano, according to authorities. The crash happened at about 9:17 p.m.
Officials identified the deceased as Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez of Vallejo.
Incident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol, a 28-year-old man driving a 2024 Tesla X was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 99 when the Tesla collided with a southbound 2022 Nissan Frontier. Authorities later identified the Tesla driver as Jaymar Alejo, 28, of Shafter.
Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez was a passenger in the Nissan Frontier. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The 49-year-old woman driving the Nissan and another passenger suffered major injuries and were taken to a local hospital.
After the initial crash, a 2021 Dodge Charger driven by a 23-year-old woman, who was traveling behind the Nissan, also collided with the Nissan. Authorities said four people were inside the Charger, and one person suffered minor injuries.
Officials said alcohol and drugs appear to have been factors in the crash. Alejo was later charged with four felony offenses, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, two counts related to DUI causing injury, and driving the wrong way on a divided highway.
Investigation: In a crash like this, investigators will likely focus on why the Tesla was traveling the wrong way in the southbound lanes and whether impairment directly led to the chain of collisions. In a wrong-way freeway crash, crash reconstruction often becomes central because it can help establish vehicle paths, timing, speed, and the sequence of impacts.
Investigators may also review toxicology evidence, witness statements, roadway entry points, and any surveillance or freeway camera footage to determine how long the Tesla had been traveling in the wrong direction before the collision. Because the crash involved a second impact from a trailing vehicle, another important question will be how the initial collision positioned the Nissan in the roadway and whether the follow-up crash was unavoidable.
Legal Considerations: Wrong-way crashes involving suspected DUI often present strong grounds for civil claims. In a case involving alleged DUI, wrong-way driving, and multiple injured victims, the civil side can be just as important for families seeking answers, accountability, and financial justice after a preventable tragedy.
Should the investigation confirm that Jaymar Alejo was impaired and driving against traffic, this conduct would likely be a pivotal factor in the subsequent criminal case, as well as any civil claims stemming from Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez’s death and the survivors’ injuries.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez’s family might have the opportunity to pursue a wrongful death claim. This could help them receive support for funeral and burial expenses, as well as compensation for the loss of financial support, love, companionship, care, and guidance they are experiencing. The injured victims may also have personal injury claims for medical expenses, future treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.
My deepest condolences go out to the loved ones and family of Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez, and I wish healing to everyone injured in the crash.
Source: Turn to 23; KGET