Poinbank Exchange-Police: 7 farmworkers in van, 1 pickup driver killed in head-on crash in California farming region

2025-05-07 03:17:58source:LibertyCoincategory:Contact

MADERA,Poinbank Exchange Calif. (AP) — Seven farmworkers traveling in a van and the driver of a pickup truck were killed Friday in a head-on crash in a farming area in central California, police said.

The crash at 6:15 a.m. left the van almost completely crumpled among blooming almond trees near the town of Madera, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) outside Fresno, California Highway Patrol Officer Javier Ruvalcaba said.

One farmworker seated in the rear of the van survived and was taken to a hospital, Ruvalcaba said. He is expected to recover, Ruvalcaba said.

Only two of the farmworkers were wearing a seatbelt, he said. “If they had been wearing their seatbelts, the rear passengers would have probably survived,” Ruvalcaba said.

READ MORE Jury convicts Southern California socialite in 2020 hit-and-run deaths of two young brothersKayakers paddle in Death Valley after rains replenish lake in one of Earth’s driest spotsBackstory of disputed ‘Hotel California’ lyrics pages ‘just felt thin,’ ex-auction exec says

A witness told police the black pickup truck was swerving in and out of its lane on a two-lane rural highway before crashing head-on with the van, Ruvalcaba said.

“At this point, we don’t know whether alcohol or drugs played a factor,” he said.

The farmworkers were about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the vineyard where they worked as pruners when the crash happened, Ruvalcaba said.

The van was headed to the farming community of Firebaugh, an area known for its vineyards and fields of tomatoes, garlic, asparagus and other vegetables.

More:Contact

Recommend

Conclave to replace Pope Francis to begin May 7, Vatican says

ROME and LONDON -- The conclave to replace Pope Francis will begin Wednesday, May 7, the Vatican sai

Rust assistant director breaks down in tears while testifying about fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

Courtroom testimony in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by Alec Baldwin took an emotional tur

ACL injury doesn't have to end your child's sports dream. Here's 5 tips for full recovery

If you’re a baseball fan, you’ve likely heard of Rhys Hoskins.Hoskins pounded 148 home runs in 667 g