Driver killed in early morning Merced County collision, CHP says

A driver was killed Thursday in an early morning rollover crash north of Winton, according to authorities.

At about 12:07 a.m., California Highway Patrol officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision at Turlock and Oakdale roads, according to CHP Officer Eric Zuniga.

Authorities said a 31-year-old Winton man was driving a 1999 Honda Accord south on Oakdale Road at about 50-60 mph. At the same time, 46-year-old Maricela Perez Diaz and a 30-year-old female passenger, both of Ballico, were westbound on Turlock Road in a 2013 Acura.

Zuniga said the the front of the Acura collided with the driver’s side of the Honda in the intersection, causing the Honda to overturn onto its roof. The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene. According to Zuniga, northbound and southbound lanes of Oakdale Road have the right of way at the intersection and it is unknown if Diaz stopped at a posted stop sign prior to the collision.

Both occupants inside the Acura complained of pain following the crash and refused medical attention. According to the CHP, neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the collision, which remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Merced Area CHP Office at 209-356-6600.