Man killed in 150 mph muscle car crash on Fresno freeway: CHP

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A man driving at speeds estimated up to 150 miles per hour rolled his muscle car off the freeway, crashed, and died early Sunday morning, the California Highway Patrol says.

CHP officers say they observed a Dodge Challenger driving eastbound on Highway 180 just after midnight at speeds approaching 130 mph. Despite initiating a traffic stop, they say the driver accelerated and hit up to 150 mph in the vehicle.

At that point, the 24-year-old male driver from Fresno, attempted to exit Temperance Avenue, and officers say he failed to navigate the off-ramp curve.  From there, he left the roadway, became airborne, and rolled several times.

As a result of the vehicle overturning, the CHP says the man was ejected from the car and landed in the southbound lanes of Temperance Avenue.  They also say the man was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Medical personnel administered life-saving efforts, but investigators say the driver died at the scene.

In response to this incident, CHP Captain Ian Holguin says, “This tragic loss of life was preventable. A seatbelt fastened, a speed reduced, a rule obeyed.  Such small actions could have saved a life. Please, never take a moment for granted. Always buckle up, follow the rules of the road, and choose safety over speed.”

Investigators say it isn’t known if alcohol or drugs were contributing factors, pending the results of a toxicology report.

The collision remains under investigation and the CHP asks anyone with information in this case to please call them at 559-705-2200.