On May 11 at about 3:30 a.m. the California Highway Patrol was dispatched to a report of a two-vehicle traffic crash on Hwy. 165, north of Santa Fe Grade.
According to CHP Officer Shannon Stiers, preliminary investigation indicates, a red 2005 Toyota Corolla, with two total occupants, was traveling in the northbound lane of Hwy. 165, north of Santa Fe Grade.
A black 2022 Toyota Corolla, with one occupant, was traveling in the southbound lane of Hwy. 165, north of Santa Fe Grade.
For an unknown reason, the driver of the red Toyota Corolla entered the southbound lane to pass another vehicle and crashed head-one with the black Toyota Corolla.
The red Toyota Corolla subsequently overturned into a canal. The driver of the red Toyota Corolla was pronounced deceased by Merced County Fire personnel at 5:02 a.m.
The driver of the black Toyota Corolla suffered major injuries. The passenger of the red Toyota Corolla suffered minor to moderate injuries.
Alcohol and/or drugs do appear to be a factor in this crash.
For any additional information, contact Los Banos Area Public Information Officer Shannon Stiers at (209) 826-3811.
