11-month-old baby dies after five-car crash near Vernalis

VERNALIS, Calif. — An 11-month-old girl died Sunday from injuries sustained in a five-car crash near Vernalis Saturday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol said. A 26-year-old Ceres man was also pronounced dead at the scene.

The CHP office in Modesto responded to a five-car crash around 1 p.m. Saturday. The 26-year-old Ceres man was killed in the crash, and the 11-month-old passenger from another car was initially hospitalized with serious injuries.

Four other people involved in the accident suffered minor injuries. Vernalis is located about 25 minutes west of Modesto.

Officials said the 26-year-old was driving east on Highway 132 near River Road. For unknown reasons, the 26-year-old allegedly turned left in his car, crossing the double yellow line and crossing into the oncoming lane.

The car sideswiped another car and then struck a third car head-on after traveling in the opposite lane, CHP said. The car that was hit head-on braked and another car reportedly struck it from behind.

CHP has not determined whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. The agency also issued a reminder after the crash: All parents and caregivers must place children under 2 in a rear-facing child seat, in accordance with state law.

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