One dead, child critically injured in Highway 41 crash in Fresno

A dark Toyota Camry stopped in the middle lane of southbound Highway 41 near Highway 180, then a Kia Optima slammed into it just after 2:25 a.m. Sunday, leaving Carlos Sandoval Jr. dead and a 3-year-old child critically injured.

The California Highway Patrol said dispatchers first received calls about a disabled vehicle stopped in the middle lane. Moments later, callers reported a crash involving that vehicle, and investigators later said several drivers had already reported near misses before the collision.

Sandoval, 31, of Selma, was driving the Toyota Camry, CHP said. He had stopped in the lane for reasons still under investigation, and officials said the car had no lights on when it was left in traffic. After the crash, Sandoval was taken to a hospital, where the Fresno County Coroner’s Office later identified him and confirmed he died.

The other vehicle was a Kia Optima driven by a 33-year-old Fresno woman. CHP said the Kia hit the rear of the Toyota, and both vehicles spun out before coming to rest in the far right and far left lanes. An adult male passenger in the Kia suffered major injuries and was hospitalized.

The 3-year-old child riding in the Kia also suffered major life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital. CHP said the child was wearing a seat belt but was not secured in a child safety seat, which is required by law. Investigators and safety advocates have repeatedly warned that seat belts alone do not properly protect young children in severe crashes, especially at highway speeds and in the dark.

CHP said alcohol impairment is suspected to have been a factor involving the Toyota driver, pending toxicology and coroner analysis. The crash remains under investigation as Fresno drivers are again left with a grim reminder of how quickly a disabled vehicle in a live lane can turn deadly on Highway 41.