One person dead after car crashes into Selma home

SELMA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A car smashed through a Selma home early Sunday morning, leaving one person dead and neighbors rattled.

The deadly wreck comes as California Highway Patrol (CHP) has beefed up its patrols over the holiday weekend.

Selma resident Joseph Barela was sleeping in his home next door when he heard a loud noise.

"The house shook. My son actually said the lights were flashing on our vehicle, so I grabbed the keys, and I thought it was just the alarm and then I came out the door and seen my car totaled and flipped around," said Barela.

He noticed a man was hurt in his neighbor's yard. Barela says more people could have been at risk.

CHP said two people were ejected from the car and taken to a nearby hospital with major injuries.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office says the passenger, 24-year-old Kassandra Gaona, later died at the hospital.

Officers said it's unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. The case is still under investigation.

California Highway Patrol said they will have extra officers patrolling the streets this holiday weekend. From speeding, to distracted driving, officers issued over one hundred citations since Friday.

"We've had 13 DUI during that time period. The big thing is people watching their speed over this weekend. Ensuring they're not driving distracted. And definitely don't drink and drive, we want to keep the roadways as safe as possible," said Lieutenant Austin Matulonis with the California Highway Patrol.

He said it's all about patience this weekend and not driving distracted. CHP also recommends watching out for motorcyclists and cyclists who may be sharing the road.

"Speeding is one of the primary collision factors we have. Obviously, the faster you're going the shorter reaction time you have. So, give yourself plenty of time while traveling when you're leaving," said Matulonis.

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