Modesto man killed in head-on crash on Highway 49 in Sonora. Alcohol suspected
A Modesto man died Monday evening in a fiery head-on collision involving two pickup trucks on State Route 49 north of Sonora, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at about 5:25 p.m. near Sierra Rock Road. Investigators said a 63-year-old Modesto man was driving a 1996 GMC Sonoma pickup southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the truck crossed over double yellow lines into the northbound lane.
The GMC collided head-on with a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Jan Ruff, 70, of Sonora.
The GMC caught fire following the impact. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt and became pinned inside the vehicle, suffered fatal injuries despite firefighters extinguishing the flames, the CHP said. His name has not been released, pending notification of family.
Ruff, who was wearing a seat belt, suffered moderate injuries.
Investigators suspect drugs or alcohol may have factored in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the CHP Sonora Area office at 209-984-3944.
