A Delano woman was killed in a crash in Porterville on Wednesday, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash happened on May 9 at 9:41 a.m. on Avenue 24, just west of Road 184, according to CHP.
Officials determined that Manuel Aguirre, the driver of the single vehicle involved in the crash, was traveling westbound on Avenue 24 when he allowed his vehicle to cross over into the eastbound lane. That's where he collided with the bridge abutment over the Friant Kern Canal on the south side of the roadway, CHP said.
After colliding with the bridge abutment, the car went into the canal and became submerged.
Aguirre, 31, was able to free himself but his female passenger died at the scene.
CHP alcohol and/or drugs may have been a factor in the crash. Aguirre suffered moderate injuries and was arrested.
CHP said the victim was not wearing a seatbelt. Her identity has not yet been released.
The crash is under investigation.
