FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Two people were ejected from a car after it launched over a 20-foot wide canal and struck an almond tree in Fresno County, the California Highway Patrol said on Tuesday.
According to CHP, a car launched over a 20-foot wide canal and it soared 60 to 80 feet upside down. Their car also hit an almond tree, ejecting the driver and passenger.
CHP says that the passenger was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered broken bones. They say the driver was wearing a seatbelt, however, was launched out when the car hit the tree while upside down. Both men survived the crash, CHP says.
After the accident the passenger and driver were lying in the cold, unable to call for help, according to CHP.
CHP says a farmer discovered the two people four to five hours later.
Speed was a factor, CHP says, but they also believe alcohol may have played a role.