FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A video shared on social media is drawing attention after it appeared to show someone living inside a Fresno freeway overpass.<\/p>\n
The cellphone video, captured by an ABC30 insider, showed a makeshift living area.<\/p>\n
Curtains appeared to be set up, along with pieces of wood on the floor and cans and bottles scattered throughout the confined space.<\/p>\n
The video was taken days before a fire broke out Monday morning inside a bridge utility vault at Fresno and H streets in downtown.<\/p>\n
Two people, believed to be from the unhoused community, were found dead inside.<\/p>\n
Authorities identified the victims as 57-year-old Johnny Torres and 50-year-old Antonio Corona.<\/p>\n
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the fire.<\/p>\n
“It appears that they may have kind of tunneled in from the side of the embankment, that was the only visible access,” said Josh Sellers with the Fresno Fire Department.<\/p>\n
Sellers warned about the dangers of entering such spaces.<\/p>\n
“The best advice is don’t find yourself in that situation. Those are not designed for human occupancy, to go and live in there and seek shelter,” he said.<\/p>\n
Encampments along Central California freeways are not uncommon, but the video highlights how some may be hidden from view.<\/p>\n
A similar situation last week in Southern California caused major disruptions when a trash fire near a homeless encampment broke out in a tunnel under the 110 Freeway, snarling traffic for hours.<\/p>\n
In response to issues tied to encampments on state property, Gov. Gavin Newsom launched the State Action for Facilitation on Encampments, or “SAFE” Task Force, last year.<\/p>\n
The initiative aims to remove encampments and connect unhoused individuals with housing and health services.<\/p>\n
Since its launch, Caltrans has reported removing 22 encampments and clearing 948 cubic yards of debris.<\/p>\n
The agency adds fencing, rocks and other deterrents have also been installed to prevent people from returning.<\/p>\n
Action News reached out to Caltrans for further details on its cleanup and prevention efforts and is working on a response.<\/p>\n
For news updates, follow Ana Torrea on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n