Driver taken to hospital by helicopter
A Fresno man was in critical condition Tuesday afternoon after losing control of his van and rolling it over through traffic on southbound lanes and across both northbound lanes of State Route 99, near Avenue 21 1/2, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The driver was taken by Lifeflight helicopter to Community Regional Medical Center. Two other people in the van sustained major to moderate injuries and were taken by ambulance.
CHP Sgt. Michael Donnell said the van appeared to be an unofficial, 15-seat farm labor transport vehicle. It had six farm workers inside at the time of the rollover.
“The cause of the crash appears to be tire tread separation on the left rear wheel. All the tires appeared to be worn down and had insufficient tread. The driver is also suspected of being under the influence of alcohol,” Donnelly said...