Tow truck crashes into Fresno medical clinic

A tow truck crashed into the waiting room of an east-central Fresno doctors' office Monday morning. Five people inside escaped with minor to moderate injuries, authorities said.

The crash happened about 10:30 a.m. at Clinton Medical Clinic at Clinton and Maple avenues.

The California Highway Patrol said a pickup truck westbound on Clinton Avenue collided with the tow truck, which was southbound on Maple Avenue. The impact drove the tow truck, which was carrying a car on its bed, into the building. The pickup then careened into a light pole.

CHP Capt. Dave Paris said initial reports were that the pickup driver ran a red light. The five people in the building were taken to Community Regional Medical Center. Paris said they were "lucky to be alive."

Paris said both drivers were injured, one more seriously, but he did not have additional information.

City workers were called in to steady the light pole before the tow truck was pulled from the building.