Toyota entered the path of a Nissan near Old Millerton Road
July 23, 2026 | Fresno, CA
What happened in the crash?
FRESNO, CA — A crash near Millerton Lake in Fresno County on Thursday killed two women and left three others injured, the California Highway Patrol reported.
Nellie Moreno, 94, of San Joaquin died after the Toyota collided with a Nissan on Auberry Road near Old Millerton Road in Fresno County.
- One victim was identified as 94-year-old Nellie Moreno of San Joaquin.
- The collision occurred around 12:45 p.m. on Auberry Road between Old Millerton Road and Frontier Road.
- An 18-year-old woman drove a Toyota westbound on Old Millerton Road with four passengers.
- The driver failed to stop at the stop sign and turned into the path of a northbound Nissan on Auberry Road.
Moreno, a passenger in the Toyota, died from injuries at a hospital. An 88-year-old woman riding in the Nissan was killed at the scene. Three people were hospitalized with injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
Why do these accidents happen?
Each year, road accidents claim thousands of lives in the U.S. Unsafe driver behavior such as speeding, driving under the influence, and distracted driving accounts for the majority of fatal crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 8,055 lives lost in motor vehicle collisions during the first quarter of 2025.
Failing to stop at stop signs often links to driver distraction, including cellphone use or multitasking. Speeding and errors in judging traffic flow also contribute.
Accident Data Overview
| Source | Statistic | Period |
|---|
| National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | 8,055 lives lost in motor vehicle collisions | First quarter of 2025 |
| Federal Highway Administration | Stop sign violations linked to distraction in majority of intersection crashes | Annual average |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, an independent review can support the diligent work of law enforcement. Candice Bond noted that re-interviewing witnesses, analyzing surveillance video, and obtaining phone records can prove valuable.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this one, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
Stefano Formica added that family members of those killed may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Key takeaways
- Evidence preservation matters in the early stages after a crash.
- Phone and texting records can provide critical details.
- Families may explore compensation options pending investigation results.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
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