Driver dies in single-vehicle crash along Highway 99, Fresno man dies in Exeter

On Tuesday, northbound traffic along Highway 99 was slowed for hours following a fatal single-vehicle crash.

Visalia CHP officers were called around 2:40 p.m. to Highway 99 and Merritt Drive, in Traver. Tulare County firefighters and paramedics were also called to help.

Motorists called 911 after a silver Ford pickup truck slammed into the center divide. The driver, a 53-year-old Castaic man, was ejected from the vehicle. He likely wasn’t wearing a seat belt.

The driver “jerked” left, slid sideways across all lanes and slammed into the concrete center divide, CHP officers said.

The man died on impact. There were no other vehicles involved, officers said. However, several witnesses stopped and traffic was pushed back several miles. Traffic was eventually detoured onto the right shoulder.

It’s unknown if alcohol or drugs are a factor.

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Jake Gosselin