A fatal motor vehicle accident on Highway 99, near Stockton, claimed the life of a 30-year-old woman from Sacramento on Sunday night, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The collision occurred around 9:22 p.m. when the Sacramento woman lost control of her Chevrolet Malibu and crashed into the concrete median. While occupying the southbound lane, she was then struck by a 47-year-old Fresno man driving a Honda Accord.
CHP officers stated that the initial crash led to the Malibu colliding with the median’s left side, causing substantial damage. The Fresno man, who was also traveling southbound, was reportedly unable to halt his Accord in time to avoid rear-ending the Malibu.
Following the second collision, the Malibu came to a rest on its wheels but faced northwards on the center median while still protruding into the traffic lane. Meanwhile, the Accord stopped in the second lane, facing the correct direction of travel.
The driver of the Malibu was immediately transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at 10:16 p.m. The identity of the woman has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
At present, the cause of the accident is being investigated, and it remains uncertain whether impaired driving may have been a contributing factor. The CHP has not disclosed any potential charges pending against the Fresno driver.
The California Highway Patrol is actively seeking witnesses to the event and requests those with information to come forward by contacting the Stockton office directly at (209) 938-4800.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing concern for traffic safety on California highways, where vehicular accidents remain a significant cause of injury and fatalities annually.
The CHP continues its efforts to promote safer driving practices and reminds motorists to observe all traffic laws, stay alert, and drive sober to help prevent such unfortunate events.
