Los Banos, CA (November 30, 2025) – A fatal collision Wednesday afternoon shut down a stretch of State Route 165 just south of Cotton Gin Road, according to a CHP news release issued November 29, 2025. The statement released by CHP is as follows.
On November 29, 2025, at approximately 3:23 p.m., the Merced Communications Center (MCC) broadcast a two-vehicle traffic crash on State Route 165, south of Cotton Gin Road, with an ambulance responding.
Preliminary investigation indicates a blue 2021 Toyota Camry, with one occupant, was traveling in the northbound lane of State Route 165, south of Cotton Gin Road. At the same time a black 2018 Toyota Sienna, with four occupants, was traveling in the southbound lane of State Route 165, south of Cotton Gin Road. For an unknown reason, the driver of the Toyota Camry entered the southbound lane and collided head-on with the Toyota Sienna. The driver of the Toyota Camry entered the southbound lane and collided head-on with the Toyota Sienna. The Camry subsequently continued southbound and crashed into a guardrail. The Camry subsequently continued southbound and crashed into a guardrail.
The driver of the Toyota Camry was pronounced deceased at scene by Merced County Fire personnel (pending notification). The driver of the Toyota Sienna sustained major, non-life threatening injuries. The three Sienna passengers suffered minor-to moderate injuries.
Alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this crash”
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.”
