Emergency personnel responded to a fatal injury accident midafternoon Tuesday, Aug. 26 along Highway 108 near Lover’s Leap. Initial reports from the scene indicated at least one confirmed fatality in the crash that occurred about 2:30 p.m., with the Stanislaus County Coroner called to the scene, and two others listed as ‘critical’ when transported out. At least one victim was flown out via air ambulance and authorities reported victims had serious burns due to the crash and a vehicle fire, which also started an adjacent field fire.
No other information was available at press time; the rescue operation took about an hour and traffic in the area was starting to flow normally again by about 4 p.m.
Look to The Leader website for any updates on the incident.
Meanwhile, as the area readies for Labor Day weekend, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding motorists to employ lifesaving measures on the roadway. The final three-day weekend of the summer travel season is expected to be a busy one around the region.
Monday, Sept. 1 is Labor Day, which means there is no school, no mail delivery, banks will be closed and businesses have the option of closing as the area celebrates the unofficial end of summer. All city, county and state offices are closed as well.
In anticipation of the holiday, the CHP is preparing for its annual Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), which begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1. The Labor Day MEP also coincides with the ongoing national drunk driving enforcement crackdown, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” If your Labor Day celebration involves alcohol, ensure those plans also include a designated driver.
“While many people will spend the long weekend celebrating with their friends and family, the law enforcement community will be on patrol working to keep the highways hazard free,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Our main goal through this high-visibility enforcement effort is to prevent tragedies from occurring.”
Last year during the Labor Day MEP, 49 people were killed in collisions on California roadways, which was a 40 percent increase from the same period in 2012. Tragically, more than 70 percent of those killed in collisions within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt.
“Help us make the holiday weekend safe for yourself and everyone by thinking about safety,” added Commissioner Farrow. “Buckle up, drive at a safe and legal speed, avoid distractions, and designate a driver.”
Last year, CHP officers made more than 1,200 arrests for driving under the influence. If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 9-1-1. Be prepared to assist the dispatcher by giving a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Before you call, be aware of your surroundings, especially streets, highways, directions, city or nearest town within which you are calling. That phone call may help save someone’s life.
