A 26-year-old man was killed on Friday when a Freightliner tractor carrying wine struck him on Highway 99, north of Winton Parkway. According to California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at 8:30pm when a 41-year-old driver of a Freightliner was heading south on Highway 99, in the No. 2 lane going about 55mph. The pedestrian was crossing the southbound lanes, and as soon as he left the center divider, he was hit by the wine truck. The Freightliner driver tried stopping and turning, but instead overturned and landed in the freeway shoulder, partially blocking the No. 1 lane.
According to news reports, the pedestrian was propelled south, into the right shoulder of the highway. He was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto and later pronounced dead. The truck driver, from Merced, was not harmed. Southbound 99 was shut-down due to wine being spilled from the trailer. A detour was established. The collision remains under investigation as the CHP determines whether drugs or alcohol were factors. I hope investigators reveal the cause of the crash as soon as possible. If you or a loved one were hurt in a pedestrian accident, consult with a Fresno car accident lawyer who can help assess your claim.
