CHP: Hanford wrong-way driver dies in 3-car collision
HANFORD, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A wrong-way driver is dead after they collided head-on with another car early Sunday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Investigators say around 1:50 a.m. a 2002 Ford F-250 was traveling eastbound on Highway 198 east of 12th Avenue on the No. 1 lane while a 2015 Kia Soul was traveling behind them in the No. 2 lane.
CHP says a 24-year-old man from Hanford was driving his 2016 Toyota Corolla in the wrong direction on eastbound Highway 198 approaching the Ford. The Ford was unable to avoid the wrong-way driver and they collided head-on.
Investigators report the Toyota immediately became engulfed in flames and the Ford overturned, landing in front of the Kia. The Kia tried to avoid colliding with the Ford but still crashed into it.
As a result, officers pronounced the 24-year-old dead on-scene. The driver of the Ford suffered major injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital. The other two passengers of the Ford sustained minor and moderate injuries, whereas the two occupants of the Kia sustained minor injuries. They were all transported to local hospitals.
At this time it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this crash.
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