FRESNO — A driver was killed Monday morning when a Ford F-150 struck a black sedan at the intersection of Maple and Gettysburg avenues in northeast Fresno, police and neighborhood witnesses said.
Fresno police identified the person who died as 63-year-old Daniel Martinez. Responders found broken glass across the roadway and a small cross now marks the spot where the collision occurred.
What happened
Investigators say a white Ford F-150 rear-ended a black car, sending the black vehicle spinning into the rear of a parked Kia. Video obtained by ABC30 shows the sedan rotating after impact while smoke appears to come from its tires. The Ford sustained heavy front-end damage and came to rest in the street. The driver of the Ford was transported to a hospital; the driver of the black car was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Location: Maple and Gettysburg avenues, northeast Fresno
- Victim: Daniel Martinez, 63
- Vehicles involved: White Ford F-150, black sedan, parked Kia
Neighbors describe the scene and concerns
Residents who live near the intersection said they woke to the sound of the crash and rushed outside to help. Martin Reyes, a neighbor, told reporters he heard screeching tires and believed the Ford was traveling at a high rate of speed before the collision.
"That day, honestly, we thought that guy was hauling. He was going pretty fast 'cause how was he going to brake all the way from over there, and we heard the screeches," Reyes said.
Reyes and others said the collision has renewed worries about speeding on Gettysburg Avenue despite posted limits. In addition to the fatalities and injuries, the crash damaged at least three vehicles and scattered debris along the roadway.
Investigation and immediate impacts
Fresno police told reporters they believe speed was a factor in the crash. Officers continue to investigate, and no additional details about charges or citations have been released. Traffic in the area was disrupted during the emergency response and while crews cleared the scene.
| Detail | Known information |
|---|---|
| Timeframe | Late Monday morning (day of crash) |
| Fatality | One — Daniel Martinez, 63 |
| Injuries | Driver of Ford F-150 transported to hospital |
Officials have not released a full timeline of the crash or a final report. Neighbors said they want additional attention to safety on Gettysburg — including enforcement of speed limits — to prevent future tragedies.
Anyone with information or footage of the collision is asked to contact the Fresno Police Department's traffic division.
