A 21-year-old woman from Turlock was killed and four others were injured in a head-on collision on Oakdale Road in Merced County, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The crash occurred at around 8:31 a.m. Thursday morning when the woman’s Toyota Prius collided with a Chevrolet Suburban SUV driven by Steve Pinocchio, 45.
Pinocchio was driving westbound at about 50 mph and attempted to pass slower-moving vehicles in foggy conditions. Witnesses said he turned to avoid the crash but couldn’t, resulting in the front of the SUV striking the front of the sedan. Good Samaritans stopped to help and performed CPR on the woman, but she later died from her injuries.
Pinocchio and three juvenile passengers suffered moderate to major injuries. The investigation found no signs of alcohol or drugs being a factor in the crash. The CHP is reminding drivers to exercise caution in foggy conditions by slowing down, turning on headlights, using low beams, leaving extra space, and avoiding passing in low visibility.
Source: https://gvwire.com/2026/02/06/driver-killed-four-injured-in-head-on-crash-in-merced-county