Merced, CA (January 23, 2026) –A horse was killed early Friday morning after a vehicle traveling through extremely dense fog struck the animal on Bloss Road in Merced County, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP officials said the collision occurred in approximately 50 feet of visibility as heavy fog blanketed the area. The vehicle was traveling at about 50 miles per hour when the driver encountered two horses standing in the roadway. With little time to react due to the limited visibility, the vehicle struck one of the horses.
The horse suffered fatal injuries and died as a result of the collision. CHP reported that the second horse was not injured and was later secured by a nearby resident after officers were unable to locate the animals’ owner.
Authorities emphasized that the incident highlights the dangers of driving in foggy conditions, particularly in rural areas where animals, pedestrians, stalled vehicles, or debris may suddenly appear in the roadway without warning.
CHP urged drivers to reduce their speed to match visibility conditions, reminding motorists to drive at a speed that allows them to stop within the distance they can see. Officers also advised using low-beam headlights, increasing following distance, and avoiding sudden braking or swerving, noting that high beams can reflect off fog and further reduce visibility.
Officials added that if visibility becomes too limited to drive safely, motorists should pull off the roadway when it is safe to do so. Anyone who may be the owner of the horses involved in the incident is asked to contact the Merced Communications Center at 209-356-2900.
