A late-night string of reported car break-ins in Madera County ended in tragedy early Sunday, when a car suspected in the burglaries took off from deputies and crashed on Highway 99, killing four people. A fifth occupant was airlifted to a hospital and remained in critical condition.
Crash followed reports of vehicle burglaries
Shortly after 1:10 a.m., the Madera County Sheriff's Office received multiple calls about people breaking into vehicles near El Vado Drive and Avenue 18 1/2. Deputies soon spotted a car matching the description from those reports, officials said.
When deputies approached, the vehicle fled. It later lost control and crashed at Avenue 17 and Interstate 99, where deputies found four occupants dead at the scene. A fifth person, a male passenger, was flown by helicopter to a hospital and remained in critical condition, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Who is investigating
The California Highway Patrol is leading the collision investigation. Its Collision Investigation Unit and Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Teams typically handle major reconstructions and complex crash analysis, according to the California Highway Patrol. Those MAIT and CIU investigations can involve detailed vehicle forensics, scene surveys and velocity analysis to piece together what happened in fatal crashes.
The Madera County Sheriff's Office will continue to handle the investigation into the reported vehicle burglaries that came before the wreck.
What officials have not released
Authorities have not yet released the names or ages of the people killed, pending notification of relatives. It also remained unclear whether deputies had formally initiated a pursuit before the crash, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Investigators are expected to review witness statements, any available surveillance footage and physical evidence from the vehicle and crash scene as they work to establish a clear timeline.
The investigation remains active. Officials are asking anyone with information about the reported burglaries or the crash to contact the Madera County Sheriff's Office.
