ORANGE COVE, CA — A driver sustained serious injuries after losing control of their vehicle and crashing into a canal bridge in Orange Cove, Fresno County, on Tuesday night, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Officials said the accident in Orange Cove happened on Lincoln Avenue, east of Hill Avenue, when the driver made a sudden turn to avoid a small animal that ran onto the roadway. The vehicle veered off the road and struck the bridge guardrail, which pierced through the front of the car and into the driver’s compartment.
The driver was treated for major injuries, though authorities have not yet released an update on their condition.
CHP officers remind drivers that when animals or unexpected hazards appear on the road, it’s crucial to stay calm, slow down safely, and maintain control of the vehicle, as sudden movements or overcorrections can lead to serious crashes.