Woman dies when SUV and semi-truck collide

A 59-year-old woman driver reportedly failed to see a moving semi-truck and pulled out in front of it on Road 28 1/2 at the intersection of Oregon Avenue just before noon Tuesday, resulting in a fatal collision, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The three-axle Peterbuilt semi truck was loaded with agricultural liquid and was traveling north on Road 28 1/2 when the driver of a 2011 GMC Terrain, Maria Barajas Gonzalez of Los Banos was eastbound on Oregon Avenue and was stopped at the stop sign.

For unknown reasons Gonzalez pulled out directly into the path of the semi truck and the GMC SUV was struck broadside, directly in the passenger door. Her 82-year-old passenger was killed on impact and pronounced dead at the scene. That passenger was later identified by authorities as Elvira Zuniga Valencia, also of Los Banos.

Gonzalez sustained major injuries in the collision, and she was taken to Community Regional Medical Center.

Both vehicles remained upright and ended up on the north side of Road 28 1/2. The 26-year-old driver of the semi truck, a man from North Fork, was not injured in the collision.

Residents in the area say nearby trees often block visibility at this intersection and others, and may have contributed to this incident.

Alcohol or drugs do not appear to have been a factor in the fatal collision, according to the CHP. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.