Drivers identified in double-fatal Ceres crash

Two drivers were killed in a collision in the eastbound lanes of East Hatch Road early Monday morning, the Ceres Police Department reports.

Authorities identified the drivers as Francisco Verduga-Garcia, 28, of Modesto and Hope Granados, 65, of Ceres.

The drivers were the only occupants of the vehicles and were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, said Sgt. Darren Venn.

Granados was driving a Jeep Sport. Verduga-Garcia was driving a 2003 Honda Accord.

The crash occurred about 2 a.m. between Richland and Central avenues. According to police, the Honda was traveling west on Hatch when the car crossed into the opposing lane. At the same time, Granados was driving east on Hatch and the cars collided head-on before coming to rest.

Investigation into the accident continues. Ceres Police ask anyone with information on the collision to contact Traffic Officer Freddie Ortiz at 209-538-5678.

This story was originally published February 12, 2018 at 6:54 AM with the headline "Drivers identified in double-fatal Ceres crash."