An unidentified woman was driving westbound State Route 120 in a 2012 Mercedes. For unknown reason the two vehicles collided on State Route 120, east of Smith Station Road.
The driver of the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene, and his passenger, a 22 year old female from Merced was flown to Memorial Hospital with major injuries.
The driver, along with three other passengers in the Mercedes, perished at the scene, and a fourth passenger was flown to Doctors in Modesto with major injuries.
After the collision, the Mercedes caught fire and started a small grass fire, however it was extinguished quickly by emergency personnel.
Drugs and/or alcohol is not being ruled out as an associated factor to this collision.
State Route 120 was closed for approximately five hours with detours in place.
The California Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help regarding this traffic collision.
The CHP is looking for any witness to this collision and witness are encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol, Sonora Office at 209-984-3944, attention Officer Griefer.
Source: CHP
