Colorado Man Seriously Injured in Merced County Crash

36-Year-Old Man Hospitalized After Traffic Collision Involving Tow Truck Pulling Big Rig on Highway 165

Colorado Man Seriously Injured in Merced County Crash

Merced County, California: A 36-year-old Colorado man was hospitalized with severe injuries after a crash involving a tow truck towing a big rig Friday night in Merced County.

The California Highway Patrol said the accident occurred at around 9 p.m. on Highway 165 just north of River Road and between Stevinson and Irwin communities.

According to authorities, Martin Sanchez Montes of Firebaugh was driving a tow truck northbound towing some type of big rig combination.

At the same time, a 36-year-old man from Norwood, Colorado, was driving a Jeep Wrangler southbound, approaching the tow truck.

Authorities said for an unknown reason, the trailer from the vehicle being towed veered into the southbound lane and collided with the Jeep.

The driver of the Jeep was taken to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto with severe injuries.

Montes stopped and cooperated with investigators.

CHP said drugs or alcohol were not contributing factors.