Fresno County, CA — March 21, 2025, Harbans Lehra was killed and two other people were injured in a truck accident at about 1:30 p.m. on West Elkhorn Avenue.
Authorities said a semi-truck loaded with almond shells crashed into a pickup truck that was turning out of the parking lot of a local business near South Marks Avenue. The collision caused the truck to roll onto its side and spill its cargo onto the road.
Pickup driver Harbans Singh Lehra, 80, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash south of Caruthers, while his wife, whose name has not been made public, suffered minor injuries, according to authorities.
The truck driver suffered minor injuries in the crash as well, authorities said.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Fresno County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Crashes involving commercial trucks and turning passenger vehicles often highlight the risks of limited visibility, heavy vehicle momentum and tight reaction windows on rural roads. In this case, reports indicate that a semi-truck struck a pickup truck that was turning out of a driveway, causing the truck to overturn and spill its load. The crash claimed the life of the pickup driver and left two others with minor injuries. A full investigation should determine whether this was a result of excessive speed, a failure to yield or limited visibility at the driveway entrance.
One of the first questions investigators should answer is whether the pickup had a clear and reasonable opportunity to enter the roadway safely. Rural intersections and driveways often present limited sight distance due to curves, foliage or the absence of acceleration lanes. Did the truck driver have a clear view of the pickup entering the road, and vice versa? If not, poor line-of-sight may have made this crash unavoidable from the moment either vehicle committed to their path.
Another key consideration is the truck’s speed. A fully loaded semi-truck — especially one hauling loose cargo like almond shells — carries a great deal of momentum and requires significant distance to stop. Investigators should examine whether the truck was traveling at a speed appropriate for conditions and whether the driver had time to react once the pickup began its turn. Black box data and witness statements will be vital in answering those questions.
The cargo spill also raises questions about load stability and truck handling. While it appears the cargo shift occurred after the crash, it still illustrates the hazards of hauling bulk agricultural material on rural roads, where any sudden maneuver — especially to avoid a turning vehicle — can cause a rollover. Investigators should review whether the truck’s load was properly secured and whether its center of gravity contributed to the severity of the outcome.
At this stage, there isn’t enough public information to say definitively what caused the crash. But if authorities focus only on who struck whom without looking deeper into factors like line-of-sight limitations, vehicle speed and the physical dynamics of the load being hauled, they risk missing critical details. A thorough investigation should consider all these aspects to ensure a full understanding of what went wrong for the victim’s family.
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