4-Car Pile Caused by Drunk Driving Accident on Highway 180 in Fresno County

On Saturday, November 22, 2014, a four or three car pileup happened in west Fresno County, on Highway 180.  The vehicle collision took place near San Mateo Avenue, at approximately 5:30 PM.

An update to the incident has occurred; a Mendota man was killed in the crash.

Officers have reported that Samuel Melendrez, 50 years old, was traveling east on Highway 180, in a 1998 Ford F-150 pickup.  Orlando Orozco, 32, of Dos Palos, was driving a 2001 Chevy Silverado truck and towing a horse trailer, westbound on the highway.

The Chevrolet swerved across the freeway and hit the other pickup truck head-on.  This lead to one or two other vehicles also traveling eastbound, to crash into the back of the initial wreck.

Melendrez was pronounced dead in the collision.

Orozco sustained major injuries and was taken to Community Regional Medical Center, in Fresno.  He was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

A Kerman woman who was in one of the other cars, was also hurt and taken to the hospital.

Attorney John Rozier would like to speak to the family of the accident victim.  Please give him a call at, 559-713-0159  or reach him at www.nelsonrozier.com.