A 21-year-old woman from Turlock was killed and four other people were injured Thursday morning in a head-on crash on Oakdale Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported at about 8:31 a.m., east of Fisher Road, the Merced-area CHP said. CHP officers arrived to find a major injury collision involving a Toyota Prius sedan and a Chevrolet Suburban SUV.

Investigators said the woman was driving the Prius eastbound on Oakdale Road at an unknown speed, while Steve Pinocchio, 45, of Merced, was driving the Suburban westbound at about 50 mph. Witnesses and those involved told officers the Prius driver was attempting to pass slower-moving vehicles in foggy conditions.

Pinocchio turned to the right in an attempt to avoid the crash but was unable to do so, and the front of the SUV struck the front of the sedan in the westbound lane, CHP said.

Good Samaritans stopped to help and performed CPR on the woman, but she later died from her injuries, authorities said.

Pinocchio and three juvenile passengers in the SUV suffered moderate to major injuries and some were taken to Mercy Medical Center for treatment. Pinocchio remained at the scene and was cooperative with investigators.

Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash, CHP said. The collision remains under investigation.

The CHP reminded drivers to slow down, turn on headlights, use low beams, leave extra space and avoid passing in foggy conditions. “Fog doesn’t give a second chance. Stay in your lane. Stay alive,” the agency said.

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