Police Investigates DUI Factor in Fatal Vehicle Accident in Fresno

December 1, 2009

Fresno - Authorities are trying to determine whether the automobile accident that has ended the lives of three teenagers was caused by drunk driving.

The fatalities were identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Jose Barriga, 18, Francisco Gonzales, 14, and Monique Sandhu, 13, all from Fresno.

According to police, Barriga was moving north on Chestnut Avenue at an excessive speed when the Oldsmobile Alero crashed into a light pole along Lane Avenue. The crash’s impact tore the vehicle in two.

The vehicle was carrying four passengers when the incident happened. Two passengers and Barriga were ejected from the car.

The three teenagers died at the accident area. One passenger was critically injured and was bought to Community Regional Medical Center.

Meanwhile, the only passenger who was wearing a seatbelt during the accident suffered from moderate injuries.

Barriga also hit a Mustang, but its driver was unharmed. The two surviving Oldsmobile passengers have not been identified by the police.

Police said his license was suspended last February due to a DUI conviction.

A toxicology test is being conducted to know whether Barriga was driving under the influence prior to the accident.