Fresno, CA – On the early morning of Friday, May 9, 2025, a single-vehicle collision resulted in a fatality after the car caught fire upon impact, according to The Fresno Bee.
The Fresno Police Department reports that the accident took place around 1:59 AM at the intersection of Friant Road and Shepherd Avenue near Woodward Park.
Authorities said the vehicle was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed on Shepherd Avenue when it failed to turn at the intersection with Friant Road. Instead, the car continued straight, mounted the curb, and struck an embankment that launched it over a fence and into a city maintenance yard located within Woodward Park.
The vehicle collided with parked equipment and other vehicles in the yard and burst into flames after impact. Emergency responders arrived promptly and extinguished the fire, but the driver, who was the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials noted that the intersection, often referred to locally as “Friant Roulette” due to its history of high-speed deadly collisions, has long been regarded as one of the most hazardous in the city. Surveillance video from nearby sources captured the crash, and investigators are reviewing the footage as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the crash to contact the Fresno Police Department.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
Fresno Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Fresno Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
Martin Gasparian is the founder of Maison Law, a California Personal Injury Law Firm. Martin is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has been practicing law in California 2004. His practice focuses on helping injury victims know their rights and recover just compensation.
