1 Dead After Stolen Car Overturns on I-5 in Fresno

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A person was killed and another injured after a stolen vehicle overturned on Interstate 5 in Fresno, California on Friday afternoon. The California Highway Patrol says they first spotted the car around 5 p.m. after receiving reports of reckless driving, but before they could pull the vehicle over, the driver lost control and the car overturned. The passenger was ejected and died from their injuries at the scene, while the driver sustained moderate to major injuries.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases and the risks posed by stolen vehicles on public roads. It also raises questions about the need for improved coordination between law enforcement agencies across state lines to address the growing problem of vehicle theft and carjackings.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the car involved in the crash was stolen in a Las Vegas carjacking. Officers first spotted the vehicle around 5 p.m. on Friday after receiving reports of reckless driving, but before they could initiate a traffic stop, the driver lost control of the car and it overturned on I-5 near Derrick Avenue. The passenger was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene, while the driver sustained moderate to major injuries.

• The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2026.