2 major crashes near Selma, one fatal

SELMA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Near Selma, there were two major crashes Sunday night with at least one person dead. Drivers in both separate crashes reportedly blew through stop signs and caused the collisions.

One crash happened at Nebraska and Mendocino. That one involved an SUV and a car. The second crash happened at Rose and Academy. That one involved a pick-up truck and a big rig.

CHP said at about 8:00 p.m. a red SUV traveling eastbound at Nebraska at approximately 50 to 60 miles per hour ran a stop sign and hit a car traveling southbound at normal speed.

Both vehicles overturned and ended up in this nearby orchard.

Officials said the passenger in the car going southbound died and CHP said the driver of the SUV who is responsible for the crash is suspected to have been driving under the influence of narcotics.

"Based upon what officers here found on scene, that being prescription medication and marijuana, we believe the driver of SUV was possibly under the influence of controlled substance," said Sgt. Mike Tramholm, California Highway Patrol.

About an hour before this accident there was another accident at Rose and Academy Avenues. CHP said a big rig traveling at normal speed ran a stop sign, causing a car to hit the big rig.

Between 4to 5 people were inside that car and suffered injuries. They were all transported to several local Fresno hospitals.

One of the passengers sustained major injuries and was life-flighted to Community Regional.

Officers said the big rig driver was not hurt.

Officials do not believe drugs or alcohol are a factor.

The driver of the SUV where drugs were found inside was transported to the hospital by American Ambulance.

CHP said the driver of the SUV also had a handgun with a high capacity magazine.