Wrong-way driver killed near Livingston, CHP says

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A 21-year-old who was driving the wrong way on Highway 99 near Livingston on Monday died after a crash involving two other vehicles, the California Highway Patrol said.

At around 2:15 a.m., officials received a report of a head-on traffic crash in the area of Highway 99, south of Hammatt Avenue. When officers arrived, they discovered it was a three-vehicle head-on crash.

According to the CHP, a 21-year-old man driving a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu was going the wrong way on southbound Highway 99, south of Hammatt Avenue. According to CHP, there were four passengers in the Chevrolet as well.

Another man was driving a 2020 Toyota Camry in the number one lane of southbound Highway 99, south of Hammatt Avenue. CHP says the drivers did not see each other until the impact. The front of the Chevrolet collided with the right front of the Toyota.

The impact caused the Chevrolet to veer to the left, into the path of a big-rig traveling in the number three lane of southbound Highway 99, south of Hammatt Avenue. The driver of the big rig was unable to safely stop to avoid the crash and the Chevrolet hit the trailer.

CHP said the driver of the Chevrolet was pronounced dead at the scene. The four passengers in the Chevrolet, who were aged between 19 and 21 years old, were transported to local hospitals for moderate to major injuries.

The driver of the big rig and the Toyota did not sustain any injuries. Both drivers remained at the scene and were cooperative with the investigating officers.

This is an ongoing investigation.