Monday, Sep. 01, 2008

16-year-old dead after car, big rig collide, topple into canal

Truck driver runs stop sign, causes accident, CHP says.

By VICTOR A. PATTON
vpatton@mercedsun-star.com

BALLICO -- A 16-year-old boy was killed in a big rig versus car collision on Saturday near the intersection of Bradbury Road and Pepper Street, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The teen has been identified as Harjevan Rai of Ballico, according to the Stanislaus County Coroner's Office.

The incident was reported around 6:30 p.m. after the teen was driving his 2008 Toyota Corolla southbound on Pepper Street, approaching the intersection of Bradbury Road. Meanwhile, a 2005 Freightliner driven by 40-year-old Gurmukh Singh of Turlock was driving westbound on Bradbury Road, according to Shane Ferriera, CHP spokesperson.

While there are no posted stop signs on Pepper Street, there are posted stop signs in the eastbound and westbound direction on Bradbury Road. For unknown reasons, according to the CHP, Singh failed to stop before entering the intersection -- and the front of his truck struck the left side of the Corolla.

Both vehicles then traveled in a southwest direction after the impact, striking a concrete and wood bridge railing and ending up in the High Line Canal.

The big rig came to rest on its right side, partially submerged in the canal. The big rig's trailer remained on top of the bridge, blocking traffic in both directions. The Corolla came to a rest with the front end submerged in the canal.

The teen was transported by ambulance to Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock and was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Singh sustained minor injuries and sought medical aid on his own.

DUI was not believed to be a factor in the collision and both vehicles sustained major damage. Ferriera said the truck was carrying produce.

The collision remains under investigation by the CHP.

Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.

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