Deadly 9-person crash outside Hanford involved UTV, CHP says

HANFORD, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A crash involving two cars and nine people killed one woman who was driving a UTV all-terrain vehicle just outside of Hanford on Saturday, the California Highway Patrol said. According to CHP officials, the crash happened around 8:30 p.m. A woman with five passengers was driving a 2020 Polaris Ranger UTV east on Dover Avenue, just west of Highway 43. Behind her, a woman was driving a 2019 Toyota Camry with two passengers. Officials say the Camry tried to pass the Polaris when, for unknown reasons, the Polaris turned left as the Toyota was passing. The Polaris's left side collided with the front right of the Toyota, and the driver of the Polaris was ejected along with two passengers. The driver of the Polaris died as a result of her injuries. Officials say the five adult passengers in the Polaris sustained minor to moderate injuries, with one transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno and one transported to Adventist Medical Center in Hanford for treatment. The driver and occupants of the Toyota sustained minor to moderate injuries and were treated on scene by emergency medical personnel. CHP officials say alcohol and/or drugs are suspected to be a factor in this crash. The identities of those involved in this crash have not been officially released.