Coroner identifies driver killed in Merced County collision involving two big-rig trucks

The Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office identified a driver killed in a collision involving two big rigs as 36-year-old Pedro Saldana of Cantua Creek, according to Deputy Alexandra Britton.

California Highway Patrol officers responded to the collision at about 11:44 p.m. Saturday, in the area of Henry Miller Avenue, east of Cherokee Road. According to authorities, a 32-year-old man was driving a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia east on Henry Miller Avenue while towing two trailers of tomatoes. Saldana was driving a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia west on Henry Miller Avenue with two empty trailers.

The CHP said the the right tires of the 2022 Freightliner drifted onto to the south shoulder. This caused the driver to lose control of the rear trailer, which veered into the westbound lane. The 2020 Freightliner driven by Saldana collided with the rear trailer. Saldana was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver did not report any injuries, according to authorities.

The CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the collision.