Woman Killed, 3-Month-Old Airlifted After Suspected DUI Crash With Big Rig on Highway 145 in Madera County
The California Highway Patrol says a 32-year-old Madera woman died after her car crossed into the path of a big rig near Highway 145 and Avenue 10 late Thursday. Alcohol is suspected as a factor, and a 3-month-old was flown to a hospital as a precaution.
A 32-year-old woman from Madera was killed in a late-night collision with a big rig in Madera County on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) says alcohol is suspected to be a factor. A 3-month-old baby in the car was flown to a hospital as a precaution.
What happened
The crash happened just after 11 p.m. near Highway 145 and Avenue 10. According to the CHP, the woman was driving a 2020 Kia Forte north on Highway 145. She crossed into the opposing lane and into the path of a big rig traveling south.
The CHP says the woman was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the Kia. She died at the scene. She had not been publicly identified in the report reviewed.
Infant airlifted
Investigators say a 3-month-old baby was in a car seat that was not properly restrained. The baby had no visible injuries. The infant was airlifted to Valley Children's Hospital as a precaution.
The big rig driver, a 52-year-old man from Fresno, stayed at the scene and was not hurt.
Investigation status
Officers say alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash. The report reviewed did not say how long the roadway was closed.
Correction note from the source: an earlier version of the original TV station report wrongly identified the person killed as a man. The CHP later confirmed the victim was a woman, and this article reflects that.
Sources
- ABC30 Action News (KFSN), Fresno, updated Oct. 31, 2026, citing the California Highway Patrol: abc30.com
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