Man dies, 11-month-old child hospitalized after accident in Modesto

MODESTO, Calif. – A man is dead and an 11-month-old child was hospitalized following a car crash Saturday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP responded to a five-car crash around 1 p.m. Saturday. The CHP said a 26-year-old Ceres man died at the scene and an 11-month-old passenger in another car was hospitalized with serious injuries. Four other people involved in the crash suffered minor injuries.

Officials said the 26-year-old was driving east on Highway 132 near River Road. The 26-year-old allegedly turned left in his car for unknown reasons and crossed the double yellow line to enter the oncoming lane. CHP said the car struck the side of another car and then collided head-on with another car after traveling in the oncoming lane. The car that was hit head-on braked and another car rear-ended them, CHP said. CHP has not yet determined if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.

CHP closed Highway 132 between River Road and Gates Road during the investigation. Highway 132 was reopened at approximately 3:10 p.m.

CHP reminds all parents and guardians that state law requires children under two years of age to be in a rear-facing car seat.