Turlock, CA (March 26, 2026) – A woman died, and a man suffered major injuries following a crash on Tuesday evening at the intersection of N Gratton Rd and East Ave just east of Turlock.
Emergency units responded to the intersection around 5:30 p.m. after reports of a collision involving two vehicles. Early information indicates that a 16-year-old girl from El Dorado Hills was driving southbound on N. Gratton Rd when her vehicle failed to yield the right-of-way at East Ave.
Authorities said the vehicle entered the intersection and struck a pickup truck traveling through the area. The impact caused significant injuries to the occupants of the truck.
The truck was driven by a 76-year-old man from the Delhi area of Merced County. He was taken to Memorial Medical Center with major injuries. His passenger, an 80-year-old woman also from the Delhi area, was taken to a hospital where she later died.
Officials reported the teenage driver suffered minor injuries. A 77-year-old man from the Winton area of Merced County, who was riding in her vehicle, was not injured.
Authorities said everyone involved in the crash was wearing a seat belt. Officials also stated that impairment is not believed to have been a factor in the collision.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time.
How Right-of-Way Violations Can Lead to Intersection Crashes
Many serious crashes happen at intersections when one driver fails to yield to another vehicle that already has the right of way. These incidents can occur when a driver enters an intersection without allowing enough space or time for cross traffic to pass.
Right-of-way rules are designed to control how vehicles move through intersections safely. When these rules are not followed, vehicles traveling from different directions may reach the same point at the same time, increasing the chance of a broadside impact.
Side-impact crashes can be especially dangerous because the sides of most vehicles provide less protection than the front or rear. Occupants sitting closest to the point of impact may face a higher risk of harm.
Traffic signs, signals, and careful observation of cross traffic are key factors in determining when it is safe to proceed through an intersection.
