Wrong-way driver identified after crashing into two other vehicles on Highway 99

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The 58-year-old man who died Sunday in a crash on Highway 99 has been identified as Paul Nichelmann.

The California Highway Patrol says it began receiving calls around 2 p.m. about a wrong-way driver heading north in the southbound lane of Highway 99 near Olive Avenue. Moments later, they started receiving calls about a crash south of Clinton Avenue.

Investigators say Nichelmann was driving a Ford Ranger in the far-left lane when he struck a Ford Bronco and a Chevrolet Equinox.

All three vehicles blocked the two far left lanes of the highway.

Nichelmann was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The other two drivers, a 24-year-old woman and a 63-year-old woman, were also taken to the hospital with injuries and are expected to recover.

The CHP said it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. An investigation is ongoing.