By DJ Becker/The Madera News April 8th, 2022
Madera Ranchos Four people were killed in a horrific, head-on crash Friday night just before midnight, according to the California Highway Patrol, on Hwy 41 about a mile and half north of Avenue 15. The combined force of the suspected high-speed collision demolished and burned both cars almost beyond recognition. There were no survivors in either vehicle.
Horrified motorists stopped and called 911 and watched helplessly as both cars burst into flames. Impaired or distracted driving is also a factor under investigation according to officers.
CHP Sgt. Lincoln McKenna said due to the intensity of the fire authorities were still working to determine the identities and home towns of the four victims, and even to confirm the makes and models of the vehicles. Only one partial license plate survived the fire, he said.
McKenna said records show there had been reports of a call to 911 of a dark vehicle southbound on Hwy 41, allegedly driving recklessly right before the collision, passing on the right shoulder and center lane, and passing unsafely but officers were still working to interview witnesses and determine if that vehicle was one involved in the crash.
The investigation is ongoing. Toxicology reports are pending.
