Update: Charges may be coming after Merced crash causes severe injuries
Update: Merced Police Department Sgt. Jacob Fister said Monday that while those involved in the crash suffered serious injuries, they are not believed to be life-threatening.
He also clarified that the incident was a broadside impact, not a head-on crash.
It is believed that drugs or alcohol could’ve played a role in the incident, but the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed yet, Fister said.
Original story:
Merced police investigated a major-injury traffic collision on West 21st Street near Canal Street on Thursday morning.
The Police Department Traffic Unit was on scene and West 21st was closed between Canal and Martin Luther King Jr. Way. It was reopened around noon.
Police said drivers in the area should expect delays and are advising them to avoid the area if possible, according to a Merced police Facebook post.
This is a breaking story. We will update it as soon as information becomes available.
This story was originally published January 29, 2026 at 11:28 AM.
