MODESTO, Calif. — One man is dead and an 11-month-old child was taken to the hospital after a car crash Saturday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP responded to a crash involving five cars at about 1 p.m. Saturday. CHP said a 26-year-old Ceres man died at the scene, and an 11-month-old passenger in a separate car was hospitalized with major injuries. Four others involved in the crash had minor injuries.
Officials said the 26-year-old was driving eastbound on Highway 132 near River Road. The 26-year-old allegedly turned their car to the left for unknown reasons and crossed double yellow lines into the opposite lane. CHP said the car sideswiped another car, then struck another car head-on after driving in the opposite lane. The car that was hit head-on braked and another car rear-ended them, CHP said. CHP has not determined if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
CHP closed Hwy 132 between River Road and Gates Road during the investigation. Hwy 132 was reopened at about 3:10 p.m.
CHP reminds all parents and caregivers that children under two must be in a rear-facing car seat per state law.