Trucking Accident Fatally Injures Five Near Fresno County
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno truck accident lawyer. An accident involving a tractor-trailer big rig and a motor vehicle occurred in western Fresno County on the morning of Tuesday, September 5, 2017. The collision, unfortunately, claimed the lives of five victims.
What Happened?
Deputies from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of a truck accident at Manning Avenue and Highway 33 at approximately 9:00 am. When they arrived, they located a damaged 2009 Mercedes-Benz SUV and a big rig carrying gravel. The impact of the collision appeared to have caused one of the diesel tanks of the tractor-trailer truck to rupture, spilling approximately 60 gallons of fuel along the roadway. The fuel ignited a fire between both involved vehicles.
Was Anybody Injured?
The driver of the big rig was identified as 58-year-old Layne Fletcher of Dinuba. He was transported via air ambulance to the Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno to be treated for major injuries. There were five male occupants inside the Mercedes-Benz at the time of the truck accident. Deputies removed two occupants out of the Mercedes-Benz as the fire started and were unable to rescue the other three. Unfortunately, all five occupants of the Mercedes-Benz were pronounced deceased at the scene. The identities of the victims have not yet been released by officials.
We would like to extend our sympathy to the loved ones of the victims that passed away in this devastating accident.
Accident Investigation
The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). A Traffic Collision Report usually takes one to two weeks to be processed. However, initial reports indicate that the motorist of the Mercedes-Benz allegedly drove through a stop sign and was struck by an oncoming big rig, who did not have a stop sign. However, it is important to note that details of a traffic report may sometimes be inconclusive or contain error relating to fault.
Gravel Trucks
Facts relating to this tragic accident remain under investigation. It is important to note that oftentimes gravel trucks are improperly loaded causing their load to shift unexpectedly. We hope the CHP investigation will shed light on this possibility.
Ruptured Gas Tanks
Sometimes if a diesel tank on a tractor-trailer truck ruptures in a collision it is a sign of inadequately designed equipment. Contact an experienced Fresno truck accident lawyer for more information.
Related Content by Fresno Car Accident Lawyer, Edward A Smith:
Fresno Truck Accident & Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno truck accident lawyer. If you or your loved one has been injured or passed away in an accident involving a commercial truck, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free and friendly advice.
I have been working as an injury lawyer since 1982. I have proudly represented families throughout California, including Fresno, with their personal injury and wrongful death claims.
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Content Source: http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article171329972.html
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