Dinuba, CA (April 23, 2025) – A serious vehicle collision in rural Tulare County resulted in multiple injuries Tuesday evening, including at least one person airlifted from the scene by medical helicopter. The incident occurred at approximately 7:13 p.m. on April 22 at the intersection of Avenue 412 and Road 96 near Dinuba.
According to early reports, the crash involved two vehicles that veered off the roadway and into a nearby orchard. One of the vehicles reportedly caught fire following the impact, prompting an urgent response from first responders including fire crews, paramedics, and law enforcement.
Due to the severity of injuries sustained in the collision, SkyLife Air Ambulance was dispatched and successfully landed near the scene to transport at least one critically injured patient to a regional trauma center. Other injured individuals were treated at the scene and transported via ground ambulance to local hospitals. The exact number of patients and the nature of their injuries have not yet been confirmed.
Emergency personnel worked to contain the vehicle fire and stabilize the scene amid concerns of hazardous conditions within the orchard. Road closures were implemented to facilitate response operations and ensure the safety of medical crews and motorists.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officials have not yet released the identities of those involved.
We send our thoughts to all those affected by this traumatic incident and wish the injured parties a full and swift recovery.
Rural Crashes and Emergency Response in Tulare County
The crash at Avenue 412 and Road 96 underscores the challenges and dangers of driving in rural parts of California’s Central Valley, where roadways often lack lighting, wide shoulders, or barriers to prevent vehicles from entering surrounding farmland or orchards.
In this case, both vehicles left the road and crashed into an orchard—raising the potential for secondary hazards such as fuel ignition or blocked access for emergency responders. The fact that one of the vehicles caught fire further complicated the rescue effort, requiring rapid coordination among multiple agencies and the activation of air transport resources.
SkyLife and similar emergency helicopter services play a crucial role in rural trauma care, significantly reducing the time it takes for critically injured patients to receive lifesaving treatment at specialized facilities. Their involvement in this incident suggests at least one patient suffered life-threatening injuries.
Crashes in agricultural zones also present additional dangers due to limited visibility, soft terrain, and a lack of nearby infrastructure. Investigations into such incidents typically focus on factors like speed, driver distraction, roadway conditions, and vehicle functionality.
For victims, recovery from a major collision can be complex and costly. Beyond physical healing, patients and families may face mounting medical bills, transportation challenges, insurance disputes, and emotional trauma. It’s vital that those affected seek not only medical attention but also legal and logistical support to navigate the road ahead.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious vehicle accident, help is available. From understanding your rights to connecting with trusted professionals, there are resources designed to support your recovery.
At Local Accident Reports, we understand how devastating a crash can be. That’s why we’re here to keep you informed, supported, and connected to the resources you need. If you’ve been affected by this accident near Dinuba, reach out today to learn how we can assist during this difficult time.