[05-06-2026] Madera County, CA – Several Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Horse on Highway 41 in Coarsegold

Several people were injured following a multi-vehicle crash involving a horse in Coarsegold, Madera County, early Wednesday morning, May 6, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded to the incident at around 4 a.m. on Highway 41 south of Mecca Lane.

Authorities stated that a 59-year-old man driving a 2021 Honda CR-V stopped in the roadway after encountering a horse standing in the lane. A 71-year-old man from Merced, driving a 2014 Honda Accord, then struck the horse before colliding with the stopped CR-V. The Accord later traveled down an embankment and came to rest on its side.

The driver of the CR-V sustained minor to moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. The Accord driver suffered major head injuries and was airlifted to the same hospital.

Three passengers in the Accord, ranging in age from 51 to 75 and all from Merced, were also airlifted to the hospital with moderate to major head injuries. The horse sustained fatal injuries in the collision.

Officials stated that all occupants were wearing seat belts and that drugs and alcohol were not believed to have been factors in the crash.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.