Highway 152 crash kills 30-year-old Planada man

A 30-year-old man died after a crash involving two cars and a big rig Wednesday morning on Highway 152, west of Dos Palos, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The victim has been identified by the CHP as Salvador Zuniga Jr. of Planada.

The crash was reported at 6:42 a.m. on westbound Highway 152 at Carlucci Road, and the CHP said fog was very dense at the time of the crash, with about 325-400 feet of visability.

Douglas Thompson, 64, of Chowchilla was driving a 2012 Peterbilt truck with an attached trailer on Carlucci Road and had halted at a stop sign at the intersection with Highway 152. Meanwhile, Zuniga was driving a 1993 Acura Integra westbound on Highway 152, approaching Carlucci Road.

The driver of the big rig failed to see Zuniga’s vehicle approaching and drove into the intersection. The Acura crashed into the big rig’s trailer and traveled under it. After the initial crash, a third driver, whose identity is unknown, was traveling westbound in a white sedan and sideswiped the Acura’s rear bumper. The unidentified driver of the white sedan failed to stop and fled the scene.

Zuniga sustained major injuries and was flown to Memorial Hospital in Los Banos, where he later died. The CHP said alcohol or drugs were not a factor in the crash.

Anyone with information about the crash can call the CHP at (209) 826-3811. Tips are kept confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

This story was originally published February 4, 2015 at 5:16 PM with the headline "Highway 152 crash kills 30-year-old Planada man."