An early morning commute on Highway 41 turned tragic when a vehicle hit a horse.
Just before 4 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, Oakhurst Area CHP responded to a call about a traffic collision involving two vehicles and a horse south of Mecca Lane in Coarsegold.
On arrival at scene and during the investigation, authorities determined a man, 59, was driving a 2021 Honda CRV northbound on Highway 41. CHP said the driver came to a complete stop in the lane due to a horse standing in the middle of the highway.
While he was stopped, they said, a male Merced resident, 71, was driving a 2014 Honda Accord southbound on Highway 41 south of Mecca Lane at an unknown speed, approaching the horse.
He failed to see the horse standing in the middle of the highway and the Honda Accord collided with it, according to officials. The impact redirected the travel of the Honda Accord to the southeast where it then collided with the front of the stopped Honda CRV.
The Honda Accord continued in a southeasterly direction, went over the east side of the road, tumbled down the descending embankment and came to rest on its right side.
The driver of the Honda CRV suffered minor to moderate injuries and was transported by ground to Fresno Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC).
The Honda Accord driver suffered major head injuries and was transported by air to CRMC.
His vehicle was occupied by three additional passengers, all from Merced. They ranged in age from 51 to 75 years of age. Each of the passengers was transported by air to CRMC for treatment of their injuries which CHP said included moderate to major head injuries.
The horse suffered fatal injuries.
Officials said all the involved parties were wearing seat belts. Alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this collision.
The roadway was closed in both directions and reopened just before 6:30 a.m.
The collision is being investigated by Officer M. Mariscal.
CHP reminded the public to drive at a safe speed to allow for time to react to something they may come across in the road.
CHP did not release the names of those involved.
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