Two killed in Merced County crash, driver behind them then overturns into canal

The California Highway Patrol is investigating two collisions after a driver and passenger were killed and another vehicle behind them ended up in a canal north of Santa Nella on Wednesday.

Los Banos area CHP officers responded to two collisions in the area of Fahey Road east of Cherokee Road around 2:30 p.m., according to CHP Officer Shannon Stiers. Authorities said the collisions involved a 2010 Nissan Versa and a 1997 Honda Civic, both traveling westbound on Fahey Road.

Stiers said the driver of the Nissan appears to have failed to negotiate a curve in the road, causing the vehicle to lose control and travel onto the shoulder. The vehicle then struck a PG&E power pole on the right front passenger side.

According to Stiers, the 17-year-old male driver and 25-year-old male passenger, both from Dos Palos, were pinned inside the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to CHP, a second crash occurred after the driver of the Honda watched the first crash happen.

Jose Puentes, 23, of Dos Palos, told officers he was driving behind the Nissan and observed it leave the roadway, taking his eyes off the road. According to a CHP news release, Puentes braked as he lost control of the vehicle. The Honda traveled off the south edge of Fahey Road and struck the guardrail of a bridge and overturned into a canal.

Stiers said Puentes was able to exit the vehicle before it became submerged in six to eight feet of water. He suffered minor injures in the crash and was not transported.

According to Stiers, speed and inexperience may have been factors in both collisions as it appears the vehicles were traveling too fast to negotiate the curve.

The CHP said none of the occupants in either crash were wearing seat belts and drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor. Both crashes remain under investigation.