October 17, 2023- Nationwide Report®
The California Highway Patrol reported a head-on multi-vehicle collision in Merced County. It resulted in the death of 3 people. They have since been identified as 3-month-old Celeste Leyva, 67-year-old Nicholas Leyva and 69-year-old Maria Leyva.
At around 11:00 p.m., near Highway 140 and Kniebes Road, a 40-year-old Robert Pimentel driving a Ford Explorer swerved off the road. This caused him to collide head-on with a Ford Expedition with seven occupants in the opposite lane. Celeste, Nicholas and Maria travelling in the Ford Explorer were killed. The other occupants of the vehicle were injured and transported to the hospital.
It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. The cause of the fatal crash is still being investigated.
Source: ABC 30