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Merced, CA (July 21, 2026) – Three people were reportedly hurt in a three-vehicle traffic accident on southbound State Route 99 just south of the Martin Luther King Jr. Way exit in Merced on July 20.
According to dispatch records from the California Highway Patrol, the crash was reported shortly after 12:20 p.m. and involved a black Volkswagen sedan, a red Scion, and a gray SUV. Emergency units were requested to the roadway, and at least one person involved asked for medical assistance.
Traffic was affected as both southbound lanes were initially blocked. A closure of the southbound on-ramp was later requested while crews worked in the roadway. Dispatch logs later indicated that one lane had reopened while another remained closed. Tow trucks were called to remove the damaged vehicles.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation as more information becomes available.
We hope everyone hurt in this collision makes a full and speedy recovery.
What Is Typically Reviewed After a Multi-Vehicle Highway Crash?
When a traffic crash involves several vehicles on a busy highway, investigators generally examine many different factors to determine what happened. They usually review the positions of the vehicles, roadway markings, weather conditions, traffic flow, and any available surveillance or dashboard camera footage.
Physical evidence such as tire marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage can also help establish the sequence of events. Witness statements may provide additional details, especially when multiple drivers are involved. If electronic data recorders are available, they may provide information on vehicle speed, braking, or steering actions before contact. As more evidence is collected and analyzed, investigators can develop a clearer picture of how the chain of events unfolded.
