COARSEGOLD — One person is dead and one is en route to the hospital after a solo vehicle accident just north of Coarsegold.
Just before 1:30 p.m. a car was reported off the side of the road on Highway 41 near Serpa Canyon. Emergency responders arrived to find that two females estimated to be in their early 20s had been driving northbound on Highway 41 about one-half mile south of Serpa Canyon.
According to witnesses, the women were traveling at the speed limit when, for unknown reasons, the driver allowed the car to drift off the right shoulder, losing control of the vehicle. According to CHP at the scene, the driver over-corrected, veering off the right embankment about 20 feet down into a tree.
The passenger was reported to be breathing but unconscious. She was transported to the landing zone at Chukchansi by ambulance and airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center.
The driver succumbed to her injuries and died at the scene.
Cal Fire Engine 4295 and Madera County Engine 12 responded, along with CHP, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, and Caltrans. One lane traffic control was put in place for approximately an hour. Both lanes are now open. As of 3 p.m., emergency vehicles are still in the area. Please drive with caution, the scene has not yet been cleared.
The accident remains under investigation.
