Merced Co., CA (May 23, 2026) – Four people were hospitalized on Friday morning, May 22, after a two-vehicle collision on Highway 152 in Merced County.
The accident happened before 10:00 a.m. on westbound Highway 152 near the Romero Visitor Center. The California Highway Patrol said an 18-year-old man driving a BMW lost control and hit a Chevy Tahoe.
Three people in the Tahoe were thrown from the vehicle. Four people in that vehicle were taken to a hospital with moderate to major injuries.
The initial report said drugs and alcohol were not factors in the wreck. No names or updated medical details were released. The cause remains under review as investigators continue gathering information.
We hope everyone injured receives the care and support needed during recovery.
Why Ejection Accidents Can Cause Major Injuries
Ejection accidents can be especially serious because people may be thrown from a vehicle and hit the road, another object, or the ground nearby. The force can affect the head, neck, spine, chest, arms, and legs. Even when a person survives, injuries may require advanced hospital care.
Seat belt use is frequently reviewed after ejections because restraints can help keep occupants inside a vehicle during sudden movement. Vehicle speed, lane position, impact angle, and rollover risk may also affect whether someone is thrown out. Medical teams may check for broken bones, internal trauma, bleeding, and head injuries. Damage patterns and final vehicle positions can help explain how the collision unfolded and why several people needed hospital treatment.
