A fiery, high-speed crash involving as many as seven vehicles resulted in three fatalities this past Saturday, March 20 in east-central Fresno. Prior to the crash, local law enforcement officers were pursuing a black Chevrolet Camaro but called off the chase when the vehicle ran a red light at the cross-streets of McKinley Avenue and First Street. The driver of the Camaro was engaging in reckless driving, which is what likely led to the multi-vehicle collision in the McKinley Avenue/Cedar Avenue area, though official reports have not yet provided a cause for the crash.
The crash occurred around 11 p.m., according to Lt. Paul Cervantes of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. When police officers arrived at the scene, they found multiple vehicles on fire on McKinley Ave. The officers attempted to rescue as many people as possible from the crash site but, tragically, three individuals in two separate vehicles died. According to Lt. Cervantes, both the position of the vehicles and the presence of flames made it difficult to reach the individuals in those vehicles.
The suspected driver of the Camaro, Francisco Portillo, 20, along with an unnamed female passenger were transported to Community Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Both their conditions have since been reported as stable. The crash is still being investigated by local Fresno law enforcement.
This recent tragedy is yet another reminder of the dangers we face when others choose to act negligently, recklessly, and wrongfully. The Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley extends our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the three people killed in this crash. We also extend our thoughts to the others involved and wish for their speedy and full recovery.