Fresno, California – A man lost his life and two others were hospitalized following a severe accident early Sunday morning, May 26, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Officers responded to the area of Avenal Cutoff Road, south of Avenue 25, following a traffic collision report at approximately 2:15 a.m.
A 23-year-old man from Fresno, driving a blue 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, was heading north on Avenal Cutoff Road when he crossed the center divider near Avenue 25. This maneuver caused a head-on collision with a white 2016 Ford F-150 traveling in the opposite direction.
The CHP identified the driver of the Ford as Victor Soto, Jr., 51 years old and a Visalia resident. Soto, Jr. was traveling south when the Chevrolet Malibu struck him. As a result of the collision, he sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by Skylife medical helicopter to a nearby hospital.
The driver of the Malibu sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The CHP identified Taeshon Ogan, 20, also from Fresno, as a passenger in the Chevrolet Malibu. Ogan suffered severe injuries and was transported by a second Skylife helicopter to another local hospital.
CHP investigators have yet to determine the cause for the sedan driver to cross the center divider. It has not been confirmed if drugs or alcohol were factors in the accident.
The CHP is asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the Hanford office at 559-582-0231.
This tragic accident on Avenal Cutoff Road underscores the importance of safety and caution while driving. Staying alert and obeying traffic signals can prevent similar tragedies in the future.
