A 27-year-old man from Modesto died after a collision early Tuesday morning in rural Madera County, according to the California Highway Patrol. The incident occurred around 5:06 a.m. on Avenue 7 1⁄2 east of Road 9.
The CHP reported that the man was driving a white Dodge Dakota eastbound when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle veered into the path of an oncoming white Chevrolet Cobalt driven by a 47-year-old Madera resident. The driver of the Chevy attempted to avoid the collision, but the Dodge struck the rear driver’s side of the Chevy.
After the impact, authorities said the Dodge left the roadway, hit a power pole, and overturned. The CHP noted that the driver of the Dodge was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from his truck. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The 47-year-old Chevrolet driver was wearing a seatbelt and sustained only minor injuries, officers said.
According to officials, it is not yet known if alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.
