2 killed, third hurt in 3-car crash

By ROSALIO AHUMADA
rahumada@modbee.com

last updated: November 18, 2007 01:48:16 AM

Two drivers died and a third was injured after three vehicles collided Saturday morning near Patterson, the California Highway Patrol reported.

David Morris, 18, of Modesto and Berenice Mora, 33, of Patterson were taken by ambulances to Modesto hospitals. Morris was pronounced dead at Memorial Medical Center, and Mora died at Doctors Medical Center, the CHP reported.

Harvey Corral, 37, of Patterson suffered minor injuries and was treated by medics at the scene.

The accident occurred about 8:30 a.m. on Jennings Road, just north of West Monte Vista Avenue and south of Keyes Road.

Morris was driving a 2007 Chevrolet pickup south on Jennings at an undetermined rate of speed, the CHP said. Corral was driving a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL north on Jennings about 45 mph and approaching Morris' pickup. Mora was driving a 1998 Ford Expedition, also north on Jennings, about 45 mph behind Corral's car.

According to the CHP, Morris' pickup veered left into the oncoming traffic lane for an unknown reason. The pickup's left front end struck the Mercedes' left side.

The pickup continued, out of control, in a southerly direction and struck Mora's vehicle head-on, the CHP reported. The pickup and the Expedition came to rest near the road's east shoulder and subsequently caught fire.

CHP officers said Corral pulled Mora from her vehicle, and emergency responders pulled Morris from his pickup.

All three drivers were wearing seat belts, and there was no evidence of alcohol being a factor in the collision, the CHP reported.

Bee staff writer Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at rahumada@modbee.com or 578-2394.

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