Three Fatalities in Highway 41 Collision Near Caruthers; Child Among Injured [Caruthers, CA]

CARUTHERS, CA (April 22, 2024) — A tragic collision on Highway 41 near Caruthers on Friday evening resulted in three deaths and injuries to four others, including a child. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. at the intersection of 41 Southbound and East Nebraska Avenue.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a Silverado pickup truck, driven by 57-year-old Mark Bruce of Fresno, failed to stop at the intersection, colliding with a Dodge pickup truck towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer. Bruce was killed in the accident.

Also deceased are two passengers from Bruce’s vehicle, 18-year-old Blanca Villegas Martinez of Selma and 17-year-old Dezirae Perez of Fresno. According to CHP, they were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected from the vehicle during the crash. A fourth passenger from the Silverado was airlifted to CRMC with major injuries.

The occupants of the Dodge truck included two men, one in their 30s and another in their 40s, and a 4-year-old child secured in a car seat. All three were transported to local hospitals but survived the initial impact.

CHP is continuing to investigate the Highway 41 Caruthers crash, including potential impairment from drugs or alcohol as a contributing factor.