Three-Car Collision Kills Groveland Woman and Injures Edgar Albert Santana, Alejandro Mercado, Alfredo Jasso-Palma, Lucia Reyes, and Carolina Reyes
SONORA, CA (April 26, 2018) – A DUI accident on Highway 108 took the life of one woman and injured five others, late Thursday night.
The accident took place around 11:50 PM, just east of Old Wards Ferry overcrossing. According to reports, 22-year-old Edgar Albert Santana of Winton was driving westbound on Highway 108 in a 2010 Dodge Avenger behind a 2016 Toyota Prius.
Traveling at a speed of 40-50 mph, he attempted to pass the Prius by crossing the double yellow line, going into the path of an eastbound 2002 Ford F-150 driven by a 67-year-old woman from Groveland. The two vehicles crashed head-on. From the impact, the Dodge swerved back into the westbound lanes, crashing into the Toyota.
Officer Faustino Pulido from the California Highway Patrol stated that the driver of the Ford sustained life-threatening injuries. She was transported to Adventist Health Sonora, where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. Three Empire residents in the Prius sustained minor injuries and were transported to Adventist Health in Sonora. The occupants included 26-year-old Alfredo Jasso-Palma (driver), 34-year-old Lucia Reyes, and 70-year-old Carolina Reyes.
Santana suffered critical injuries and was taken to the Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. He remains hospitalized, but was arrested around 12:35 AM on Friday morning, and will be booked after recovery. His passenger, 26-year-old Alejandro Mercado of Winton, suffered major injuries and was flown to the Memorial Medical Center in Modesto for treatment.
Highway 108 was blocked for almost four hours while officials investigated the scene and crews cleaned up the wreckage. No additional information has been released while authorities continue to investigate the fatal collision.
Wishing the family and friends of the victim strength and support in this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Losing a loved one in a tragic car accident is extremely heartbreaking. We understand what you and your family are going through, and are here to help you achieve the justice that is owed. Our attorneys and professional legal team have over 40 years of experience in the legal field and have dealt with cases including wrongful death, auto accidents, personal injury, and disability. Call our offices at (800) 203-3061 for a free, no-obligation consultation at a location in a city near you.
