CHAIN ACCIDENT: Highway 99 Multi-Vehicle Accident Seriously Injures Turlock Woman

February 17, 2011

Ceres – A multi-vehicle accident, involving at least five vehicles, has seriously injured a woman at about noon today along the southbound lanes of Highway 99, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said.

The incident began when a Ford Ranger in the fast lane cut across two lanes to reach the Hatch Road Exit.

In the process, a Honda Element, which was cut off in the slow lane, spun out of control and ended up in the direct path of a big rig. The big rig slammed into the driver’s side of the Honda and jackknifed, blocking the center and fast lanes.

At least two more vehicles, a pickup and a passenger car, struck the truck’s wreck.

The driver of the Honda was identified as Karen Stewart, 63, from Turlock.

Stewart was unconscious and trapped in the Honda’s wreck when emergency personnel found her.

She was immediately brought to Memorial Medical Center.

Stewart’s passenger, a young boy, was fortunately not hurt in the crash and was released to family members.

Only the slow lane remained open after the crash, which resulted in the traffic almost coming to a halt while the CHP and emergency crews were investigating and clearing the crash respectively.

Authorities are still looking for the Ford Ranger and its driver.

The vehicle was described as red or maroon in color.

Anyone who has information on the crash can call the CHP at 545-7440 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or at 356-2900 during evenings and weekends.