Deadly Crash on Road 28 ½ North of Harper Blvd., Kills One and Injures the Passenger 

January 16, 2026 – Madera CHP officials report that last Thursday, January 9, 2026, at approximately 12:14 a.m., CHP Madera officers responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash, on Road 28 ½, north of Harper Blvd.

Officers learned the following:

A 21-year-old man from Madera, CA, was driving a 2026 Toyota Corolla, southbound on Road 28 ½. A 41-year-old woman from Fresno, CA, was driving a 2011 Nissan Altima, southbound on Road 28 ½ and made a U-turn from the right shoulder, directly in front of the Toyota’s path. As a result of the Nissan making the U-turn, the front of the Toyota broadsided the left side of the Nissan. The Nissan continued out of control in a southwesterly direction and came to rest blocking the southbound lane of Road 28 ½. The Toyota continued out of control and came to rest in a ditch. Life saving measures were performed at the scene, but the female driver of the Nissan succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. A 48-year-old passenger in the Nissan, sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Toyota was not injured. This crash is still under investigation. It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor (pending toxicology report).

Less than a week prior to this crash, a passenger lost her life during a similar crash on SR-145, west of SR-41.

Related: Drivers Injured, Passenger Dies from Injuries in Madera County Crash Caused by Unsafe U-Turn

Before making a U-turn, ask yourself, “Can I do it safely?”

• Look for posted signs – No U-Turns means
• No U-turns.
• Make sure you have clear visibility in BOTH directions.
• Yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
• Never make a U-turn on curves, hills, or where visibility is limited.

Source & photo: Madera CHP