[05-29-2024] Tuolumne County, CA – One Person Killed, Two Others Seriously Injured Following Two-Vehicle Head-On Crash Along SR 120

One person was killed, while two others were seriously injured following a two-vehicle head-on crash in Tuolumne County on Wednesday afternoon, May 29, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal collision happened at about 12:58 p.m. on State Route 120 near Smith Station Road.

CHP reported that the incident involved a westbound 2024 Kia Forte with two occupants and a 2013 Kia Soul traveling in the opposite direction. 

For some reason, the driver of the Kia Forte, 73-year-old James B., allowed his vehicle to travel over the roadway’s double yellow lines. This put his vehicle directly on the path of the other Kia, eventually leading to a head-on collision.

James B.’s passenger, 73-year-old Sara B., was pronounced dead at the scene. He, meanwhile, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Modesto Medical Center for further medical care. The driver of the Kia Soul, 25-year-old Andrew B., was also flown from the scene after being injured.

Emergency personnel cleared the road for several hours, causing traffic delays.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Alcohol or drugs were ruled out as possible factors.

No further information was immediately available.