July 27, 2024 – Madera County Sheriff's Office officials report that on July 25, 2024, at approximately 12:16 P.M. (1216 hours), CHP Madera officers and emergency personnel responded to a traffic crash involving two big rigs, on northbound SR-99, north of Avenue 9.

During the investigation, it was determined a gold-colored Western Star, hauling a trailer loaded with vehicles was parked on the right shoulder, possibly disabled.  The male driver of the Western Star was outside the vehicle, possibly laying on the shoulder, under the rear of the trailer.

A male driving a red-colored Freightliner, hauling a refrigerator box trailer loaded with produce, was traveling northbound on SR-99, north of Avenue 9, in the slow lane (#2 lane), in heavy traffic.

The Freightliner veered onto the right shoulder, sideswiped the parked trailer and struck the driver.  The force of the impact caused the Freightliner to be detached from its trailer and came to rest on the east dirt shoulder, near the railroad tracks.

As a result of this crash, the driver of the parked Western Star sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This crash is still under investigation.  Alcohol and/or drugs were not a factor.

CHP Madera reminds everyone to drive safely.  Never drive distracted, wear your seatbelt, watch your speed, and obey the rules of the road.

Source: CHP Madera

Photos: Madera County Sheriff's Office