Madera County, CA (May 27, 2025) – A high-speed crash involving a utility truck has left two people dead and another seriously injured Tuesday afternoon near Coarsegold, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Accident Details: Officers responded just after 4:00 p.m. to reports of a crash on Highway 41 near the Yosemite RV Park. Witnesses told CHP that a man in his 30s was driving a white utility truck northbound at over 100 mph before losing control on a curve. The vehicle began rotating in the roadway.
A juvenile driver in a black SUV was traveling southbound and swerved left to avoid the rotating truck. A Ford Bronco behind the SUV was unable to react in time and was struck head-on by the utility truck.
The force of the collision pushed both vehicles off the road and down an embankment. According to CHP, the Ford dropped roughly 40 feet and the utility truck fell 15 feet. Two passengers in the Ford were pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency crews airlifted the utility truck driver to a Fresno hospital with major injuries. Officers say he is suspected of driving under the influence. The juvenile SUV driver was not injured.
Legal Considerations: If confirmed, DUI charges could lead to serious criminal penalties for the utility truck driver. In addition to criminal prosecution, he may face civil liability for wrongful death. The families of the deceased passengers may pursue claims for funeral expenses, lost income, and other damages under California wrongful death laws.
Vehicle black box data, witness statements, and toxicology reports will likely form the basis of both the criminal investigation and any future civil cases.
Ongoing Investigation: CHP has not yet released the names of those involved. The investigation remains active, and officers are working to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the crash.
I hope the victims’ families find answers and support, and that the juvenile driver receives continued care.
Source: MSN.com