O’NEALS — A single-vehicle accident on Highway 41 sent both driver and passenger to the hospital, with the driver placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence.
At about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, David Marthe, of Coarsegold, was northbound in a 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, just north of Yosemite Springs Parkway.
According to CHP at the scene, he lost control of the vehicle due to his “high level of intoxication,” and crashed off the west side of the road.
The driver suffered minor cuts and had complaints of pain, according to CHP, however the female passenger suffered major injuries in the crash. Both were transported by Sierra Ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.
After being evaluated at the hospital, Marthe will be transported to the Madera County Department of Corrections and booked on charges of felony DUI causing injury to others, said the investigating officer.
There were two dogs in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Both appeared to be uninjured, and Animal Control was called out to retrieve the dogs.
Madera County Fire Engines 10 and 17 responded to the scene, along with Squad 10. One-lane traffic control was put in place for about 90 minutes as the scene was cleared.
The accident remains under investigation.
