OAKHURST — A two-vehicle accident slowed the commute on Highway 41 just south of Oakhurst this morning.
At about 7:10 a.m. a 19-year-old male from Fresno in a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta was headed to work at Emadco. He was traveling northbound approaching Road 425B at the top of Deadwood at a stated speed of 55 – 60 miles per hour, according to CHP.
A 76-year-old female from Oakhurst was at the stop sign on 425B, preparing to turn southbound onto Highway 41 in a white Prius.
CHP says the driver of the Prius pulled out directly into the path of the Jetta, prompting the male driver to swerve to the left in an attempt to avoid the collision. However, the vehicles hit head-on at the center line. The impact shoved the Jetta into the embankment on the west side of the road, causing it to overturn, coming to rest blocking the southbound lane.
Both drivers had complaints of pain and were evaluated by Sierra Ambulance personnel. Neither required transport for further medical treatment.
There were no passengers in either vehicle, however there was a small dog in a carrier in the Prius. The woman and dog were safely transported home by the CHP sergeant at scene.
The 19-year-old male driver said the accident could have been a lot worse and he’s grateful that everyone is alright.
Caltrans was on scene to divert northbound traffic onto Road 425B, allowing southbound traffic to continue moving, although there were long back-ups in both directions.
Technique Towing and Budget Towing responded to the accident, and the scene was cleared by about 8:10 a.m.
The accident remains under investigation.
(Photos courtesy of Shad Gunderman)
