Accidents June 24

Accidents June 24

NEWMAN, CA – A tragic series of crashes on southbound Interstate 5 near Newman late Sunday night and early Monday morning resulted in the loss of two lives and led to the arrest of a Gustine woman on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The fatal incidents occurred near the Stuhr Road/Newman exit, approximately 300 feet north of a Caltrans closure that had been established in response to an earlier series of crashes. Traffic in the area was already backed up because of an ongoing crash investigation when, at approximately 2:25 a.m. Monday, a van collided with a stopped tractor-trailer on southbound I-5. Two people in the van lost their lives as a result of the crash.

Authorities identified 57-year-old Nancy Cortes Flores of Gustine as a driver involved in an earlier chain-reaction collision on the same stretch of highway. Investigators say Flores was driving a sedan at a high rate of speed when she rear-ended a Chevrolet Equinox. Following the initial collision, Flores and her passenger exited the vehicle and walked into the median.

The disabled Honda was later struck by approaching motorists attempting to avoid it. During the resulting sequence of events, one of those evasive maneuvers led to a pedestrian being struck and killed. Nearby, in a separate but related incident, a van crashed into a stopped tractor-trailer, resulting in two additional fatalities.

Flores was taken into custody by CHP officers on suspicion of driving under the influence and was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail.

The crashes, which occurred late Sunday night, June 21, led to roadway closures that continued into the early hours of Monday morning.

The experienced, compassionate car and pedestrian accident lawyers of AutoAccident.com serve Newman and Stanislaus County. If you or a loved one were injured in a crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, know that you’re not alone. AutoAccident.com is one of the most trusted personal injury firms in California, and across the U.S. Our talented legal team is here to help you navigate the legal process, hold at-fault drivers accountable, and fight for the justice you deserve. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.