Shown is the aftermath of a collision involving a Kia sedan and a Freightliner with attached double trailer.
A late night crash in Madera County claimed the life of a woman; her infant passenger was airlifted to a hospital.
Just after 11 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, CHP Madera officers responded to a collision involving two vehicles on Highway 145 south of Avenue 10.
CHP said a preliminary investigation showed a Madera woman, 32, was driving a 2020 Kia Forte northbound on Highway 145 south of Avenue 10. At the same time, a Fresno man, 52, was driving a 2016 Freightliner with attached double trailers southbound on Highway 145 south of Avenue 10.
At this location, the northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 145 are separated by solid double yellow lines.
CHP said the driver of the Kia failed to negotiate a slight curve in the road and drove into the southbound lanes directly into the path of the Freightliner. Despite evasive action by the driver of the Freightliner, officials said, a crash occurred.
The driver of the Kia was later identified as Ana Karen Garcia Martinez. CHP said she was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. Despite the lifesaving measures of medical personnel, Garcia Martinez died at the scene.
Shown are the trailers attached to the Freightliner after the crash.
A three-month-old baby was in a child restraint system in the backseat of the Kia but was not properly restrained, CHP said. The infant was airlifted to Valley Children’s Hospital as a precaution and with no visible injuries .
The driver of the Freightliner was uninjured.
The crash was under investigation. CHP said alcohol was suspected to be a factor.
The California Highway Patrol emphasized that wearing a seatbelt is “one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash.”
Additionally, they said, child restraint systems save lives when used correctly.
• Use a car seat appropriate for your child’s age, height and weight.
• Ensure the car seat is properly installed.
• Keep children in the back seat whenever possible.
• Secure harnesses snugly and correctly every time.
• Never allow a child to ride without a proper restraint.
If someone needs help installing a car seat or verifying that it has been installed correctly, contact your local CHP Office for assistance.
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