47-Year-Old Driver Pronounced Dead after Two-Vehicle Collision near Sonoma Avenue

FRESNO COUNTY, CA (March 31, 2023) – Sunday night, Ruben Rodriguez was killed in a multi-car accident on Highway 180.

Authorities responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m, near South Sonoma Avenue on March 26th.

Per reports, Rodriguez was heading west in a Chevrolet Malibu and sideswiped an older model Mustang. He then collided with a Toyota Camry.

Rodriguez was not wearing a seat belt at the time and was ejected from the vehicle before it bursted into flames. Medics arrived and airlifted 47-year-old Rodriguez, of Antioch to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Meanwhile, paramedics transported the Mustang and the Toyota driver to a nearby hospital for treatment of major injuries.

Emergency crews closed off the surrounding area for a brief time during cleanup and preliminary duties. At this time, it was unknown if alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. Further investigation is still underway.


Sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ruben Rodriguez. Thoughts are with them during this very difficult time.


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