LOS BANOS, CALIFORNIA: On April 30, 2024, at approximately 1:54 PM, officers from the California Highway Patrol’s Los Banos Area responded to a report of a solo vehicle collision on State Route 152, west of Harmon Road. The driver, identified as Mario BadilloRincon, was traveling westbound in a 2003 GMC at a high rate of speed in the #1 lane, according to witness statements. For unknown reasons, Mr. BadilloRincon lost control, causing the vehicle to cross the #2 lane and veer off the north road edge, descending a dirt embankment and overturning several times.
The crash resulted in one fatality and moderate injuries to three others. The fatally injured passenger, who was seated in the right rear and not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and the other two passengers, who were wearing seat belts, sustained moderate injuries. There is no indication that drugs or alcohol were factors in this crash.
Details regarding the use of safety equipment among the occupants have been noted, with seat belts being used by the driver and two of the passengers. The incident is still under investigation, and further information will be available through the coroner’s office, in accordance with Government Code sections 6254(f) and 6254(f)(2).
For additional information or questions, please contact Public Information Officer Shannon Stiers at the Los Banos Area CHP office at (209) 826-3811.
