Drivers of both vehicles involved in a Friday, July 29 collision outside of Oakdale died as a result of their injuries.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident occurred along 26-Mile Road, north of Eastman Road, in the area north of Woodward Reservoir. The crash involved a 2002 Chevrolet SUV, driver by Eduardo Salinas, 51, of Oakdale and a 2013 Ford pick-up, driven by Clinton T. Tutthill, 45, of Murphys.

Authorities said at approximately 3:45 p.m. Friday, Salinas was driving his Chevrolet Tahoe southbound on 26-Mile Road, north of Eastman Road, at an unknown speed, within the southbound lane. Tutthill was driving a Ford F-150 pick-up northbound on 26-Mile Road, north of Eastman Road within the northbound lane, toward the truck driven by Salinas. Based on the preliminary CHP findings, Salinas allowed the Tahoe to cross over the painted double yellow lines and it collided head-on with the front of Tutthill’s pick-up.

Emergency personnel responding to the scene worked to extricate one of the drivers and despite life-saving efforts, both Salinas and Tutthill sustained fatal injuries. They were pronounced deceased on scene; their names were released through the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office. A portion of the roadway was closed down Friday afternoon during the investigation and rescue efforts.

The CHP report indicates that both drivers were using safety equipment when the crash occurred. It is unknown at this time if drugs and/or alcohol were a factor in the collision.