[06-21-2024] Kings County, CA – 45-Year-Old Man Killed After Multi-Vehicle Chain Collision Near Hanford

A 45-year-old man was killed after a multi-vehicle chain collision near Hanford on Friday morning, June 21, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the major accident happened at about 10:45 a.m. at the intersection of 12th Avenue and Flint Avenue.

The multi-vehicle crash involved a 2014 Chevrolet, a 2012 Mazda, a 2006 Chevrolet, a 2024 Mazda, and another unspecified vehicle. 

Preliminary investigations indicated that the driver of the 2014 Chevy was heading north on 12th Avenue and was followed by a 45-year-old man in the 2012 Mazda. Behind the two is the 2006 Chevy driven by a 26-year-old. At the same time, the 2024 Mazda was traveling the opposite direction along 12th Avenue.

CHP said that the 2014 Chevy slowed down as the traffic in front of it began doing so. While the car directly behind her, the 2012 Mazda, managed to slow down safely, the 2006 Chevy failed to do so, causing a rear-end collision. The crash’s impact then pushed the 2012 Mazda into the southbound lane of the roadway, where it collided head-on against the 2024 Mazda.

While this happened, the 2006 Chevy continued going north out of control, side-swiping another vehicle.

The chain collision reportedly took the life of the 45-year-old male driver inside the 2012 Mazda. The name and origin of the deceased were not available. No other injuries were reported immediately following the incident.

CHP is investigating the cause of the vehicular accident and the factors that may have played a role in it. Drugs and alcohol impairment have since been ruled out.

No further information was immediately available.