Porterville, CA (March 13, 2026) – A man died after a two-vehicle crash on Thursday, March 12, at the intersection of State Route 65 and Lindmore Ave in Porterville.
Emergency units responded to the scene at about 6:29 a.m. after reports of a serious collision at the intersection. The crash involved a 2020 Ram 1500 pickup and a 1998 Ford Ranger pickup.
Authorities said a 60-year-old Porterville man driving the Ram pickup was traveling north on State Route 65 and attempted to turn left onto Lindmore Ave to head west. During the maneuver, the truck collided with the Ford Ranger, which was traveling south on the highway.
The impact caused the Ford pickup to spin before striking a metal light pole on the passenger side. The driver of the Ford Ranger, a 29-year-old man from Exeter, suffered major injuries and was taken to Sierra View Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Ram driver sustained moderate injuries and was also taken to Sierra View Hospital for treatment. Officials have not released the identities of the drivers involved.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
Why Left-Turn Crashes at Intersections Can Be Especially Dangerous
Collisions involving left-turning vehicles often occur at intersections where traffic moves in opposite directions. A driver attempting to turn left must judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles before crossing their path.
If a turn is made too late or visibility is limited, an oncoming vehicle may not have enough time to slow down or stop. This can lead to a direct impact, especially when both vehicles are traveling at normal roadway speeds.
Intersections on highways or busy routes may increase the risk of these crashes. Higher traffic volume and faster speeds can make it harder for drivers to safely complete a turn.
When a collision occurs, the impact force can cause vehicles to spin or strike nearby objects such as poles, signs, or barriers, which may increase the severity of injuries.
