Sanger, CA — The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the man found in a submerged car in a canal near Sanger on Monday morning, August 19, 2024, as 19-year-old Joe Vargas. Emergency crews from CalFire responded to the scene and, despite their efforts, Vargas was pronounced dead shortly after being pulled from the vehicle, according to The Fresno Bee.
The incident took place near South Rainbow Route and East California Avenue, just east of Sanger. CHP officers were called to the scene around 5:45 AM after receiving reports of a car overturned in the canal. Upon arrival, they found the vehicle partially submerged in about three feet of water. Vargas, the sole occupant of the car, was extricated by emergency responders, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The report indicated that due to the extended time Vargas had been underwater, he was declared deceased at the scene.
The CHP’s initial investigation suggests that Vargas was driving southbound on Rainbow when his vehicle veered off the road and into the canal. The cause of the crash remains unclear, and authorities are still trying to determine exactly when it occurred. A witness who spotted the vehicle in the canal also contacted 911, which led to the discovery of the accident.
The area surrounding South Rainbow Route and East California Avenue is largely rural, with narrow roads that can pose challenges for drivers, especially during early morning hours when visibility is limited.
Toxicology reports are pending, and the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this unfortunate accident. Further details will be released as the investigation continues.
Liability in Single-Vehicle Collisions
In certain situations, investigations may uncover that some liability for a single-vehicle collision falls on other drivers nearby or even on unsafe roadway structures. Sorting through these details to help victims and their families secure proper compensation is one of the key services a personal injury attorney offers.
After establishing liability, a personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf. Insurance companies invariably aim to minimize payouts for claims they cannot deny, making legal representation crucial for obtaining fair compensation.
