Fatal crash reported on M Street in north Merced

A section of M Street in north Merced was closed for several hours following a fatal car crash reported Wednesday afternoon.

Details are preliminary.

The crash happened around 1:35 p.m. and appears to have involved a Chevrolet Camaro and Nissan Altima in the area of M Street and Buena Vista Drive.

According to Sgt. Nathan McKinnon, the driver of the Chevy Camaro was traveling southbound on M Street. Meanwhile, the driver of the Nissan was traveling eastbound on Buena Vista Drive.

The Nissan had pulled out into M Street, and the Camaro crashed to the driver’s side of the vehicle. A 67-year-old Merced woman pinned inside the Nissan was freed by emergency responders, but subsequently died from her injuries.

Police closed M Street from Donna Drive to just south of Buena Vista Drive.

The driver of the Camaro, identified as a 25-year-old Merced man, remained at the scene and was cooperative with authorities.

Police have said a third vehicle may have been involved in the crash, but a description is not available. Police said they are also looking into whether street racing may have been a factor in the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to contact Officer Jeff Gonzales at gonzalesj@cityofmerced.org.

This story was originally published October 26, 2022 at 3:58 PM.