Merced County, CA – Head-On Collision on I-5 Near Los Banos Claims Two Lives

Merced County, CA (December 21, 2024) – A deadly head-on collision occurred on I-5 south of Highway 165, near Los Banos, on Friday evening, December 20. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene just before 6:30 p.m. following reports of a Jeep crossing the center median and crashing into a Dodge.

According to authorities, the Jeep, driven by a man heading southbound, veered into the northbound lane for unknown reasons. The impact resulted in catastrophic injuries for all involved. A woman and a baby traveling in the Jeep were ejected and later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The male driver of the Jeep and the baby sustained major injuries. The Dodge’s occupants also faced severe consequences. The driver and a female passenger were hospitalized with critical injuries, while a young girl in the vehicle fortunately escaped unharmed. Investigators suspect drugs or alcohol may have played a role in the crash. CHP continues to collect evidence to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of the deceased, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured victims.