Fresno County, California — A Fresno multi-vehicle accident early Thursday morning has tragically claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman and left multiple people injured. The collision, which occurred on April 17, 2025, near Highway 33 on southbound Interstate 5, involved at least four vehicles and prompted a large-scale emergency response from Fresno County authorities.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 5:00 a.m., a 1997 Honda Del Sol driven by 24-year-old Orlando Pinales of San Jose veered onto the right shoulder of I-5 before colliding with a 2016 Nissan Rogue driven by 49-year-old Adan Delgadillo Ruiz of Truckee.
The initial impact forced the Honda to spin back into active traffic lanes, where it was subsequently rear-ended by a 2021 Hyundai Sonata driven by 27-year-old Manuel Berrospe of Los Banos. The second collision propelled the Honda into a cable barrier.
Moments later, a 2002 Toyota Camry operated by 22-year-old Maria Mendoza of Mendota struck crash debris, including a dislodged tire from the Honda.
Emergency crews arrived swiftly at the scene. The 21-year-old female passenger of the Honda, who suffered critical injuries, was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Fresno. Despite life-saving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. Her identity has not been released pending family notification.
Multiple others sustained injuries and were transported to CRMC for medical care. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. At this time, it remains unclear whether impairment or external factors played a role.
Legal and Safety Context
Multi-vehicle accidents, especially on high-speed highways like I-5, raise complex legal issues related to fault, liability, and insurance coverage. In California, determining liability often involves examining the actions of all drivers involved, vehicle conditions, road design, and possible contributing factors such as distracted driving or mechanical failure.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 484 people were killed in multi-vehicle crashes across the United States in 2022. These collisions are hazardous due to their unpredictability and the heightened chance of secondary impacts, which can compound injuries and damages.
In tragic cases like this, Fresno multi-vehicle accident, victims and their families may be eligible for compensation, including:
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, hospitalization, rehab, and future treatment
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and life impact
- Lost wages – Missed work and reduced earning ability
- Wrongful death – Funeral costs and loss of companionship
Our Legal Team Is Here for You
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the young woman whose life was lost in this heartbreaking Fresno multi-vehicle accident. Our award-winning personal injury lawyer in Fresno is here to support those affected by such tragedies.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a multi-vehicle crash, we offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options. Contact us today for assistance.
