Driver dies after I-5 crash; passenger hospitalized

A driver was killed, and a passenger was seriously injured after a car accident on Interstate 5 on Thursday. According to the investigation, A gold 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 south of Gale Avenue at an estimated 60 to 70 mph in the number 1 lane when, for reasons still under investigation, it veered left into the dirt center median. The driver lost control, and the car rotated counterclockwise, continuing to spin as it crossed both southbound lanes of Interstate 5. The Mercedes-Benz then struck the guardrail on the southbound right shoulder. The impact caused it to overturn the guardrail and roll down an embankment, where it came to rest on its right side. Passing motorists helped the driver and passenger out of the vehicle. Life-saving measures were provided to the driver by California Highway Patrol and Coalinga Fire Department personnel, but the driver suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. [RELATED] Man dies after ATV overturns in dry riverbed The passenger sustained major injuries and was taken by ground ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. It was not known whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.