Driver Killed in Fatal Highway 101 Crash Near Gonzales Identified as Jesus Alfardo-Burboa.
On Friday afternoon, May 30, 2025, a tragic accident occurred on Highway 101 near Gonzales, California, resulting in the death of 47-year-old Jesus Alfardo-Burboa. The collision involved a semi-truck and a red pickup truck and took place near the intersection of Highway 101 and Hartnell Road, a rural connector frequently used by local traffic.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the semi-truck was traveling southbound on Highway 101 and attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Hartnell Road. As the semi-truck crossed the northbound lanes to complete the turn, Alfardo-Burboa’s red pickup truck, traveling northbound, collided with the rear side of the semi’s trailer. The impact caused the pickup truck to become wedged beneath the trailer, resulting in catastrophic damage.
Emergency responders, including CHP officers and local fire crews, arrived promptly at the scene. They found Alfardo-Burboa unresponsive and trapped under the semi’s trailer. Despite rescue efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the pickup truck. The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. No other injuries were reported.
Investigators are examining factors such as speed, visibility, and mechanical issues to determine the cause of the crash. Witnesses reported that traffic was moving at a regular pace before the incident. The timing and judgment of the semi-truck’s left turn are key elements in the ongoing investigation. Toxicology reports and detailed accident reconstruction efforts are underway to establish a clear picture of the events leading to the collision.
The accident caused significant traffic disruptions on Highway 101 for several hours. Northbound lanes were partially closed as crews cleared debris and examined the crash site. Drivers were rerouted, and traffic remained slow into the early evening hours.
The loss of Jesus Alfardo-Burboa has deeply affected the local community. While little is publicly known about his personal life, friends and family remember him as a hardworking and kind-hearted individual.
This incident is one of several fatal accidents that have occurred on Highway 101 in recent months, raising concerns about road safety, particularly at rural intersections and turning points. Local residents have expressed concerns about visibility issues and high-speed traffic on this stretch of road. The intersection of Hartnell Road with the highway is not signal-controlled, making turning maneuvers especially dangerous during peak travel times.
Authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution when making turns on highways and to be especially mindful of oncoming traffic before committing to a crossing. The CHP continues to investigate the incident and has requested that any witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage from the area come forward.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of another life on California’s roads. Alfardo-Burboa’s death serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be lost in preventable roadway tragedies.