Fresno County, CA – On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 17, 2026, a multi-vehicle collision involving a big rig resulted in the death of a woman and left two others injured, according to KSEE/KGPE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 12:00 PM on southbound Interstate 5 north of Jayne Avenue.
Authorities said a 2025 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling at approximately 60 miles per hour as it approached stopped traffic. The Freightliner driver braked and steered left but struck a 2022 Mazda CX-5, pushing it into the rear of a 2016 Toyota Tundra.
The Toyota continued into the center median, where it became disabled. The Freightliner then continued forward and struck the rear of a 2024 Mercedes E350 before jackknifing and coming to rest blocking the right shoulder and portions of the interstate.
The right rear passenger of the Mazda sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Saint Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, where she died from her injuries. Two rear passengers in the Mercedes were transported by ambulance to Adventist Health Hanford for treatment.
The identities of those involved had not been officially released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
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 Big Rig Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Fresno big rig accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
