LOS BANOS, CA — On Sunday, August 18, 2024, at approximately 11:15 p.m., the Merced Communications Center received a report of a multi-vehicle collision on State Route 145, just west of the Santa Fe Railroad Over-crossing in Madera County. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Madera Area Office promptly responded to the scene to conduct an investigation.
The investigation revealed that Brandon Johns was driving a 2008 Dodge Charger westbound on SR-145 when, for unknown reasons, he allowed the vehicle to cross over the double yellow lines into the eastbound lane, directly in front of an oncoming Ford F-150. The Ford, driven by an individual pending notification, collided head-on with the Dodge. The impact caused the Ford to veer onto the south shoulder of SR-145, while the Dodge came to rest between the eastbound and westbound lanes.
As the crash unfolded, Mr. Lee, driving a 2012 Nissan Rogue westbound on SR-145 at approximately 60 mph, approached the scene. Due to the Dodge’s dark color and inoperative lights, Mr. Lee was unable to avoid the collision, resulting in the front of the Nissan striking the Dodge and spinning into the eastbound lane. Shortly after, Ms. Estrada, traveling eastbound in a 2012 Toyota Prius at about 45 mph, collided with the rear of the Nissan, causing minor damage to both vehicles.
Approximately one minute later, Teodoro G. Herrera, from Los Banos, was driving a 2020 RAM pickup westbound on SR-145 at approximately 60 mph when he struck the Dodge, pushing it onto the north shoulder of the highway. The Dodge’s driver, Brandon Johns, was transported to CRMC with major injuries, while the Ford’s driver was airlifted to CRMC, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The drivers of the Nissan and the RAM, along with a passenger in the RAM, Maria Herrera of Los Banos, were also transported to CRMC with moderate injuries.
Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in this tragic crash. Brandon Johns was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The CHP urges the public to refrain from drinking and driving to prevent such devastating accidents.
For more information, please contact CHP Madera Public Information Officer, Officer S. Moreno, at (559) 507-8120.
