FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Two teens were killed and three others from Fresno were hospitalized following a head-on collision Friday night, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Investigators say they received word of a two-car crash around 10:15 p.m. on Highway 43, just north of Davis Avenue.
Officers say an 18-year-old was driving a Toyota Camry traveling southbound on Highway 43 with two passengers, an 18-year-old and a 15-year-old.
Investigators say the Camry was approaching a slower-moving car and attempted to pass them. The driver moved to the left, crossing over a solid yellow line, and crashed head-on into an oncoming Range Rover traveling northbound on Highway 43.
The CHP says the driver and the front passenger of the Camry died at the scene, while the rear passenger, the other 18-year-old, was transported to the hospital with major injuries.
Officials say the driver and passenger of the Range Rover, both in their 50s, were also sent to the hospital with major injuries.
Officers say it is believed all occupants of the Camry were using marijuana prior to the crash, pending toxicology results. The 15-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash which may have contributed to his injuries.