Los Banos, CA (January 28, 2026) — At approximately 12:06 a.m. on January 28, a dune buggy-style vehicle entered the Delta-Mendota Canal near Gravel Pit Road south of State Route 140, according to the California Highway Patrol Los Banos Area. CHP officers responded after Merced Communications Center received reports of the crash, which resulted in multiple injuries and one passenger currently unaccounted for. The Los Banos CHP released the following statement:
“On January 28, 2026, at approximately 0006 hours, Merced Communications Center (MCC) broadcast a call of a dune buggy-style vehicle that entered the Delta-Mendota Canal near State Route 140 at Gravel Pit Road. Officers from the California Highway Patrol, Los Banos Area Office, responded to the scene.
A preliminary investigation indicates the driver, later identified as Elixandro Naranjo Miranda (DOB 12/04/2004), was driving the dune buggy on the canal bank west of the Delta-Mendota Canal. There were three passengers in the dune buggy: one adult male and two adult females. Miranda ultimately entered the canal at a stated speed of 10 miles per hour due to poor visibility caused by darkness and significant dust.
Miranda and two of the passengers were able to exit the dune buggy, swim to the bank of the canal, and climb out. One adult female passenger is unaccounted for, and the dune buggy has not yet been recovered. The two surviving passengers and an independent witness indicated Miranda fled the scene. The two surviving passengers were transported by ambulance for moderate injuries.
Officers responded to the driver’s residence, where Miranda was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Merced County Jail. Officer Ramirez is the investigating officer.
The California Highway Patrol Los Banos Area reminds the public that seat belts save lives and encourages everyone to buckle up.”
