Merced County, CA (May 23, 2025) – A deadly hit-and-run crash early Thursday morning west of Los Banos left one farmworker dead and seven others injured, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Accident Details: The crash occurred just before 5:00 a.m. as a white 2001 GMC Safari van carrying eight farmworkers was traveling northbound on Interstate 5, preparing to merge onto westbound Highway 152. CHP said the van, which had departed from Mendota, was rear-ended by a white big rig, believed to be a 2002-2008 International truck.
The force of the impact pushed the van into a guardrail on the east side of the highway. It then overturned down an embankment, eventually landing on its roof on eastbound Highway 152, which runs beneath I-5.
One passenger was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Three others sustained major injuries and were transported to a hospital. Four additional passengers, who were reportedly wearing seatbelts, suffered minor injuries. CHP noted that at least four passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The victims, all male farmworkers aged 19 to 30, were en route to work in the Hollister/Salinas area. The van was registered to its driver.
Legal Considerations: Rear-end collisions involving big rigs often result in serious injury or death, especially when occupants are unrestrained. In this case, CHP is actively seeking the hit-and-run driver of the big rig, which continued westbound toward Gilroy or Hollister.
If the driver is located, they could face felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter charges. Families of the deceased and injured farmworkers may also have grounds to pursue wrongful death or personal injury claims against the truck driver or company once identified.
Ongoing Investigation: The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate and has asked for the public’s help identifying the white International big rig involved. Anyone with information is urged to contact CHP Los Banos.
My condolences go out to the loved ones of the worker who was killed, and I wish strength and recovery to those who were injured.
Source: The Fresno Bee