3 people killed in fiery single-car crash in Fresno County, CHP says

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Three people have died following a car crash in Fresno County early Friday morning.

The crash happened just before 2:45 am on Kearney and Garfield.

The California Highway Patrol says a 25-year-old Dario Urena was driving east on Kearney when he swerved off the roadway.

The car then crashed into a palm tree and caught on fire.

Urena, 21-year-old Syrus Suniga, and 27-year-old Joey Suniga Jr., were trapped inside the car.

They were all declared dead at the scene.

Officers say alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.

"It was a preventable accident where we believe alcohol was a factor," said Mike Salas with the California Highway Patrol.

This crash has brought up memories for Faith Koretoff, whose sister was killed on the notoriously dangerous road years ago.

She says she's been calling for change ever since.

How many more people need to die on this corner before they make a two-way stop?" asked Koretoff.

The popular thoroughfare is often used by drivers trying to avoid Highway 180, with many driving well above the speed limit.

Faith says she's seen things only get worse in her 50 years of living along the road.

"Probably three or four since we've lived here, near misses every day. Two and three near misses every day. The horns are honking people are speeding," Koretoff said.

Many living along the historic boulevard say the long stretch needs more stop signs, and to be patrolled more frequently..

Law enforcement tells action news they can only do so much.

"Hundreds, if not thousands of vehicles travel on this road every month safely it's when the drivers become the danger. The reason why these crashes are happening," Salas said.

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