OAKHURST — A camping trip to the mountains ended badly for a family from Burbank when they were caught up in a head-on collision on Deadwood.
At 1 p.m. today, an aunt, uncle, and 14-year old nephew were headed south out of Oakhurst on Highway 41 just past the 40 mile per hour corner, in a 2012 GMC SUV.
At the same time, a 21-year old male out of Hanford was northbound in the same location when he allowed his 2003 Jeep Wrangler to drift off the right shoulder.
The driver jerked the wheel to the left causing the Jeep to cross into the oncoming lane where he collided head-on with the family in the GMC.
The vehicles came to rest blocking both lanes, with the Jeep landing on its passenger side and the GMC against the hill.
The 14-year old nephew, who was asleep in the back of the GMC at the time of the collision, was taken to the landing zone at Vons in Oakhurst and airlifted by SkyLife 2 to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno with major injuries.
His aunt also sustained major injuries in the accident, and was taken by ground ambulance to CRMC. Her husband had only minor lacerations and accompanied her in the ambulance.
The driver of the Jeep was uninjured.
Highway 41 was closed down in both directions as the injured were treated and transported and the scene was cleared.
Any update on the condition of those injured? I was one of the first on scene and would really like to know how they are doing. Thanks
Thank you so much for your concern. The injured parties are my parents and nephew, and although they sustained quite painful injuries, none were life threatening. They were very lucky and we are feeling very grateful.
Thank you so much for responding. I am so happy to hear everyone came out ok <3
They are shaken up. My son got out of surgery ok. Thank you for the help
You’re very welcome! I am so thankful to hear he is OK! We got out of the way and left when the paramedics arrived and he seemed ok but then we heard that he had to be air lifted and were very concerned. Thank you for letting us know that he is doing alright <3