P.MarkShayani
Madera County, CA – Marcos Hernandez Perez, 26, of Madera, and Leslany Santoyo, 23, of Merced, were killed in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 145 near Highway 41 on Saturday, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred on Highway 145 near the intersection with Highway 41 at an undisclosed time on Saturday.
As per the CHP, a Dodge Challenger, a Honda CR-V, and a Honda Accord were involved in the deadly collision.
CHP said Perez was driving the Dodge westbound on Highway 145 with Santoyo as his passenger. Perez reportedly overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle, which then veered into oncoming traffic and collided with the eastbound Honda CR-V driven by a 33-year-old man.
Moments later, a Honda Accord traveling westbound crashed into the CR-V.
Perez and Santoyo sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Honda CR-V suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital.
Investigators also reported that one of the individuals in the Honda Accord fled the scene but was later arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run and driving under the influence. Further investigation revealed that the individual who fled was a passenger, while the driver, who remained at the scene, was later taken into custody.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Traffic in the area was slowed following the crash as crews worked to clear the scene and conduct an investigation.
No additional injuries have been reported at this time.
Accidents on Highway 145 have been reported frequently, raising concerns about road safety in Madera County.
Families affected by this accident may seek legal guidance to understand their rights.
