According to California Highway Patrol, Carlos was driving a Hyundai northbound on Highway 145 when an oncoming Tesla drifted into his path. Carlos moved into the southbound side to avoid the oncoming Tesla but the Tesla also swerved back into its lane, leading to a head-on collision
Fresno County, CA – The Coalinga couple killed in a head-on collision in Coalinga in Fresno County on Monday evening has been identified by the Fresno County Coroner's Office.
Carlos Pimentel, 69, and his wife Maria Pimentel, 62, both of Coalinga, were killed in the wreck that took place on Highway 145 on Monday, December 29.
According to California Highway Patrol, Carlos was driving a Hyundai northbound on Highway 145 when an oncoming Tesla drifted into his path. Carlos moved into the southbound side to avoid the oncoming Tesla but the Tesla also swerved back into its lane, leading to a head-on collision.
A Kenworth truck tractor was also involved in the incident. It's unclear whether the big rig collided with any of the vehicles or was hit by debris from the initial crash.
Both Carlos and Maria were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Tesla, Shawn Borecha, 30, of Riverside, was treated for minor injuries.
According to CHP, Borecha was determined to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. He faces multiple charges including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
In 2023, the Coalinga Police Department (CPD) responded to 95 traffic accidents within the city limits, a notable increase from the 78 accidents recorded in 2022. This follows a period of significant fluctuation; for example, between 2020 and 2021, the number of investigated collisions in the city dramatically increased by 120%, from 30 to 66. While these figures cover incidents within Coalinga itself, major, often fatal, crashes frequently occur on nearby state highways, such as Interstate 5 and Highway 145, which are under the jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and tend to be more severe due to higher speeds. Statewide, speed and impaired driving remain primary contributing factors to fatal crashes
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