On May 6, 2026, at approximately 3:57 a.m., CHP Oakhurst officers responded to a traffic collision involving two vehicles and a horse on State Route 41, south of Mecca Lane (south of Coarsegold).
Upon arrival and during the investigation, it was determined that a 59-year-old male was driving a 2021 Honda CR-V northbound on State Route 41, south of Mecca Lane, and came to a complete stop in the lane due to a horse standing in the middle of the highway. While he was stopped, a 71-year-old male from Merced, California, was driving a 2014 Honda Accord southbound on State Route 41, south of Mecca Lane, at an unknown speed, approaching the location of the horse. The southbound driver failed to see the horse standing in the middle of the highway and collided with it. The impact redirected the Honda Accord to the southeast, where it then collided with the front of the stopped Honda CR-V. The Honda Accord continued in a southeasterly direction, traveled off the east side of the roadway, and tumbled down the descending embankment before coming to rest on its right side.
The driver of the Honda CR-V suffered minor to moderate injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Fresno. The driver of the Honda Accord suffered major head injuries and was transported by air ambulance to CRMC. The Honda Accord was occupied by three additional passengers, all from Merced, California, ranging in age from 51 to 75 years old. Each passenger was transported by air ambulance to CRMC for treatment of moderate to major head injuries. The horse suffered fatal injuries.
All involved parties were wearing seatbelts. Alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be factors in this collision. The collision is being investigated by Officer M. Mariscal, ID 21854.
The public is reminded to drive at a safe speed to allow adequate time to react to hazards they may
encounter on the roadway.
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security to the people of California.
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