Ceres man, child die in head-on crash with DUI driver in Merced

A 20-year-old Los Banos woman allegedly drove drunk, missed a curve, crossed over the solid double-yellow lines into oncoming traffic and crashed, the CHP said.

CERES, Calif. — A Ceres man and a minor died in a suspected DUI crash early Saturday in north Merced County.

The 41-year-old man was driving a 2016 Honda Accord with the minor as a passenger when they were hit by Melissa Rosales, 20, of Los Banos, in a 2014 BMW SUV.

The crash occurred around 12:20 a.m. on Highway 165 south of Turner Avenue.

Rosales allegedly failed to negotiate a curve, crossed into the northbound lane, and collided head-on with the Honda.

Both Honda occupants died at the scene, while Rosales was hospitalized with major injuries.

All were wearing seatbelts. Rosales was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from the public.