LOS BANOS, Calif. — Authorities are actively investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred early Thursday morning, May 22, on Interstate 5 near Highway 152, west of Los Banos. The incident involved a semi-truck and a van carrying eight individuals, resulting in one death and three critical injuries.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the van was attempting to exit I-5 when it was rear-ended by a semi-truck. The impact forced the van off the roadway, where it struck a guardrail and rolled down an embankment. One passenger was ejected from the van and pronounced dead at the scene. Three others sustained major injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. CHP officials noted that none of the four injured occupants were wearing seatbelts. The remaining four passengers, who were properly restrained, were unharmed.
The van had reportedly originated from Mendota and was transporting farmworkers at the time of the collision.
The semi-truck fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. As of May 27, the suspect remains at large. Investigators are seeking a white 2002–2010 International semi-truck, which may have sustained front-end damage in the collision. The truck was last seen heading westbound on Highway 152, possibly toward Hollister or Gilroy.
CHP and the Merced County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the crash or the suspect vehicle to contact the CHP Los Banos office at (209) 826-3811.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The case remains an active investigation.
