Driver in fatal I-5 crash identified by sheriff’s office

The identity of one of two people killed in a crash on Interstate 5 was released.

The driver of a 2014 Peterbilt truck that crashed into another big rig Tuesday morning was identified as 25-year-old Arvin resident Luis Mendez Jr., according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

Mendez was driving the Peterbilt truck north on I-5, south of Shields Avenue, when he failed to stop for slow traffic ahead, according to California Highway Patrol. The Peterbilt reportedly rear-ended a 1998 Freightliner, which was pushed into a 2011 International truck.

Mendez and his female passenger, whose name was not released Friday, were killed in the crash, authorities said.

That was one of two reported fatal crashes Tuesday on I-5.

Three of five family members died after the driver of a 2011 Freightliner truck, 56-year-old Ontario resident Braulio Martinez, failed to stop for slow traffic, CHP said. The truck slammed into the back of a 2012 Dodge Caravan carrying five people, CHP said.

A 57-year-old man and two girls ages 6 and 10 died in the collision, according to CHP.