Section of State Route 165 closed in Merced County following a suspected DUI crash

A section of State Route 165 in Merced County remained closed in both directions early Sunday afternoon as crews continued to work to clear the roadway following a suspected DUI collision, according to authorities.

About 12:35 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a report of a collision with an ambulance responding in the area of State Route 165 and Westside Boulevard, according to Sgt. Danny Bowen. According to the CHP, a 19-year-old female driver and a 20-year-old male passenger, both from Modesto, were traveling north on SR-165, south of Westside, in a white Dodge Charger.

According to Bowen, as the vehicle approached a curve, the driver failed to negotiate the turn. The Dodge continued straight and left the roadway, striking a power pole. The impact caused the pole to fall, which pulled a second pole down and resulted in power and telephone lines across the roadway.

Bowen said the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Both the driver and passenger were taken to Modesto-area hospitals for treatment of injuries.

Both lanes of the 165 are currently closed at Westside Boulevard and First Avenue in Stevinson as crews from PG&E and AT&T work to clear the roadway.

“Right now the ETA for opening is another two hours at least to have the lines off the road,” Bowen said.

Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes. The crash remains under investigation.