MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Madera County Coroner’s Office has identified the mother and daughter who were killed in a crash early Saturday morning on Highway 152.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the two died after the car they were in crashed into a tractor-trailer on Highway 152 at Road 14 ½ in Madera County, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The coroner identified the two as 50-year-old Samantha Xiongnhiathao and 17-year-old Gisselle Diaz, both from Fresno.

CHP says around 2 a.m., officers responded to a crash involving two vehicles on Highway 152, at Road 14 ½.

According to CHP, a 32-year-old man from Fresno was driving a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia eastbound on Highway 152, approaching Road 14 ½. Investigators said he was going around 10-15 mph, with his emergency hazard lights activated, due to engine difficulties.  

CHP said a Xiongnhiathao was driving a black Honda on Highway 152 and was approaching the rear of the Freightliner. Diaz, Xiongnhiathao’s 17-year-old daughter, was seated in the right front passenger seat.

CHP said the 50-year-old driver collided into the rear of the Freightliner’s trailer. Pictures of the crash scene show the Honda wedged under the rear of the trailer.  

Following the impact, the 32-year-old truck driver drove to the right shoulder, unaware that the Honda was trapped beneath the rear of the trailer.  

Both Xiongnhiathao and Diaz in the Honda died at the scene. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured. All parties were wearing their seatbelts, officers say.