Two-vehicle crash leads to fatality

For The Madera Tribune

A Jeep Cherokee sits next to a pistachio tree after a collision on Avenue 21 and Road 28 1/2. The driver of a white Ford Escape (in background) died from the accident last week.

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California Highway Patrol Madera officers responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of Avenue 21 and Road 28 1/2.

An 18-year-old man from Madera was driving a white Ford Escape southbound on Road 28 1/2, traversing the intersection of Avenue 21 at an unknown speed on May 22 at about 10:30 a.m.

A 59-year-old woman from Madera was driving a brown Jeep Cherokee westbound on Avenue 21, approaching the intersection of Road 28 1/2.

As the Ford attempted to cross the intersection of Avenue 21, the front of the Jeep struck the left side of the Ford. This crash caused the Ford to leave the roadway on the south-west corner of the intersection, and it struck a pistachio tree.

Despite the immediate response of emergency personnel, the driver of the Ford succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the Jeep sustained minor injuries. Both parties were wearing their seatbelt.  Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected to be a factor.

At this location, Avenue 21 is not controlled by stop signs and traffic has the right-of-way.  Road 28 1/2 is controlled by stop signs in both directions.