Fresno, CA – On the afternoon of Sunday, January 4, 2026, a 58-year-old Fresno man was killed in a wrong-way collision on Highway 99, according to The Fresno Bee, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash occurred just after 2:00 PM near the Clinton Avenue off-ramp. Dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 99 before the collision occurred.
Investigators stated the man was driving a white Ford Ranger northbound in the No. 1 lane of the southbound side of the freeway. At the same time, a Ford Bronco driven by a 24-year-old woman and a Chevrolet Equinox driven by a 63-year-old woman were traveling southbound toward the oncoming vehicle.
CHP reported the driver of the Ford Bronco attempted to avoid the wrong-way truck. A head-on collision occurred, and the vehicles came to rest blocking the No. 1 and No. 2 southbound lanes.
A Chevrolet Equinox was reportedly unable to avoid the crash and became involved shortly afterward. CHP logs indicate multiple vehicles were disabled across active lanes of traffic.
The driver of the Ford Ranger was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The drivers of the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Equinox were taken to area hospitals for treatment, and their conditions were not released.
Authorities said it is not yet known whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash, pending toxicology results. The investigation remains ongoing.
CHP and Caltrans implemented traffic control measures, including lane closures and traffic breaks, to allow emergency responders to safely manage the scene. Southbound traffic on Highway 99 was backed up for approximately one hour as crews conducted the investigation and cleared the roadway.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact a Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
