COARSEGOLD – A single vehicle accident on Highway 41 has claimed the life of a 66-year-old Coarsegold man.
Just before 2 p.m. on Monday, June 15, the driver was northbound in a Ford F-150 pickup at an unknown rate of speed near Mecca Lane south of Coarsegold, when he traveled off the right hand shoulder and up an embankment.
The truck then crashed through trees and brush along the east side of the road for about 160 feet, according to CHP, before striking a tree.
Witnesses reported that the driver was drifting into oncoming traffic just before the accident. The driver of a southbound tour bus said he was almost hit head-on and stopped in a turnout just after the incident happened to report to CHP. Several other drivers witnessed the accident and also called 911.
Cal Fire and Madera County Engines responded to the scene, along with Sierra Ambulance, CHP, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
One lane traffic control was put in place by Cal Trans as officers conducted their investigation.
The accident remains under investigation, and there is no indication at this time that alcohol was a factor.
