Accidents July 9

Accidents July 9

MERCED COUNTY, CA – A serious collision involving a semi-truck and a box truck left both drivers with major injuries and forced the closure of Lander Avenue south of Hilmar on Tuesday afternoon, July 7, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities received reports of the head-on crash at approximately 2:02 p.m. near Lander Avenue, just south of Westside Boulevard, CHP officials said.

Investigators believe a 55-year-old Turlock man was traveling northbound on Lander/State Route 165 in a 2016 Freightliner box truck at about 55 mph. At the same time, a 44-year-old Winton man was driving a 2017 Peterbilt semi-truck southbound, hauling roughly 80,000 pounds of livestock feed.

For reasons that are still being investigated, the Freightliner crossed into the southbound lane, where it struck the semi head-on.

The impact left both drivers trapped inside their vehicles. CAL FIRE crews worked to safely free them before both men were air-lifted to hospitals in Modesto with major injuries.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. CHP said alcohol and drugs do not appear to have played a role. Anyone with information can contact Officer Rudy Briones at 209-356-6600.

Lander Avenue remained closed until about 10 p.m. as investigators documented the scene and crews completed cleanup efforts.

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