FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — A wrong-way driver in downtown Fresno got away after a patrol car trying to catch up crashed into a Fresno Area Express bus, sending two deputies and seven bus passengers to the hospital.
Two Fresno County deputies in a single patrol car spotted a vehicle traveling the wrong way north on M Street near Tuolumne Street a bit after 5 p.m.
The deputies drove north on M Street to try to make a traffic stop, but when the patrol vehicle reached the next intersection at Stanislaus Street, it crashed into the side of a FAX bus, disabling the patrol car.
The wrong-way driver continued and was never contacted.
EMS and Fresno Police responded to the scene.
Both deputies were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Seven passengers on the bus also went to the hospital as a precautionary measure but did not appear to have any injuries.
Fresno Police is handling the collision investigation.
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The Sheriff’s Office urged motorists to be aware of one-way streets while driving in downtown Fresno, noting the area can be confusing for people not familiar with it.
Drivers are advised to look for posted signs and road markings, including yellow lines signifying two-way streets and white lines for one-way streets, and to watch for cars driving toward them as a possible sign that someone may be going the wrong way.