Stanislaus County, CA (February 22, 2026) – A 28-year-old woman from Antioch died Friday afternoon in a four-vehicle crash on Hwy 4 in the northern part of Stanislaus County. The collision occurred around 2:15 p.m. on Friday, February 20, east of Dunton Rd.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a 2025 Jeep SUV was traveling east on SR-4 when the driver attempted to pass another vehicle by crossing solid double yellow lines. The Jeep collided head-on with a westbound 2024 Tesla truck. The impact caused the Jeep to overturn onto its roof.
Following the initial crash, the Tesla driver lost control and struck an eastbound 2021 Subaru sedan. A detached wheel from the Subaru then hit a westbound 2016 Hyundai SUV. The Subaru left the roadway, hit a metal fence, and came to rest in a field. All four vehicles sustained major damage.
The 28-year-old Antioch woman riding in the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene. The Jeep’s driver, 24-year-old Kevyn Correa of Antioch, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. Three additional passengers in the Jeep also had minor injuries and were hospitalized. The Tesla driver, a 51-year-old man from Angels Camp, was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The Subaru driver, a 38-year-old Oakland man, and two passengers, including a 1-year-old girl, were not injured. The Hyundai driver, a 53-year-old man from Copperopolis, and his passenger were also unhurt. All occupants were wearing seat belts, and alcohol or drugs were not believed to be factors.
Hwy 4 east of Dunton Rd was closed for about three hours during the investigation. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Unsafe Passing Can Lead to Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Passing in a no-passing zone marked by solid double yellow lines increases the risk of head-on crashes. On two-lane highways like SR-4, crossing into oncoming traffic leaves little room for error.
When a head-on collision occurs, the force of impact can push vehicles into other lanes or cause drivers to lose control. This can quickly involve multiple vehicles, as seen in chain-reaction crashes. Detached parts, such as wheels or debris, may create additional hazards for nearby drivers.
Rural highways often have higher speed limits and limited shoulders. Drivers attempting to overtake slower vehicles must wait for clearly marked passing zones and ensure there is enough distance to complete the maneuver safely. Even a brief decision can lead to widespread damage and loss of life.