One person is dead and nine others were injured Monday in a big rig crash near the intersection of Ferguson Road on Highway 152, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Gregory Wells, 48, of Madera, was driving a tractor-trailer combination westbound on Highway 152 at approximately 5:25 p.m. when he approached traffic slowing for the intersection’s red light. Wells failed to stop and crashed into several vehicles, a CHP press release alleged.
The big rig then veered into the eastbound lane, collided with more vehicles and continued off the south edge of the road while pushing a sedan. Wells’ tractor-trailer ultimately came to rest in an agricultural field.
The sedan then became engulfed in flames, and fire personnel later pronounced the driver dead at the scene, authorities said. The CHP is not releasing the name of the driver at this time, citing pending identification of the person.
The big rig’s cab also caught fire, but two bystanders helped to get him to safety. Including Wells, nine people were injured and three sustained major injuries.
According to the CHP, drugs do not appear to be a factor in the collision at this time. Authorities blocked off eastbound and westbound traffic on Highway 152 immediately after first responders arrived, and it was reopened at 6 a.m. Tuesday, the release stated.
