3 killed in crash involving semi-truck in Fresno County, CHP says

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Three people have died following a crash involving a semi-truck in Fresno County.

Dash-cam video shows the moments before a commercial truck collided with a car just after 5 Thursday morning.

The big rig was driving north on Highway 33 and did not have a stop sign.

But on Manning Avenue, a stop sign and the words "cross traffic does not stop" are under a red flashing light.

That's where CHP officers say the driver of the Toyota sedan that was heading west failed to stop.

"The Corolla entered the intersection in front of the big rig the big rig was unable to avoid the collision," explained Sergeant Veeson with Coalinga CHP.

Officials say 53-year-old Juan Cortez and his passenger, 21-year-old Kevin Cruz Montesinos, died at the scene.

A second passenger, 77-year-old Amancio Hildago, later died at the hospital.

Julio Carballo is the owner of the big rig company.

His driver is a 23-year-old man who is cooperating with the investigation.

"He's okay, he's nervous. He is in Fresno now to do the drug test to confirm everything is 100% and that's it," said Julio.

Caballero says this area is typically very busy, especially with the agricultural and commercial trucks driving through.

"It's busy for everybody, the area is busy for everybody. It's a lot of business in the area and HWY 33 is busy all the time with the commercial trucks," explained Julio.

Caballero did mention his heart goes out to the family and hopes this reminds people how dangerous busy intersections can be.

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