Fresno County, CA (June 19, 2025) – A wrong-way Jeep Cherokee driver collided head-on with a transport van and a Toyota on Interstate 5 near Coalinga, leading to a grass fire and the deaths of three individuals.
Incident Details: The Jeep entered the northbound lanes traveling southbound around 7 p.m. on Thursday evening and crashed head-on into a transport van occupied by two people. Moments later, a Toyota impacted the van. All three vehicles erupted in flame, igniting dry brush along the median. The Jeep driver and the two van occupants perished at the scene; the Toyota’s occupants escaped prior to the fire spreading. Fire crews battled a grass fire consuming more than 90 acres .
Investigation and Legal Considerations: The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. CHP Lt. Matt Zulim emphasized that wrong-way crashes are highly fatal and urged the public to report such drivers immediately. Investigators will analyze vehicle positions, fire damage, and traffic camera evidence to reconstruct the event and determine potential liability .
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost in this tragic incident.
Source: ABC30 Fresno