An 82-year-old woman from Beijing, China, died Sunday morning after a vehicle she was riding in overturned on Highway 120 east of Sonora, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. near Menke Ness Road. According to CHP, a 51-year-old man from Beijing was driving a 2025 Jeep Compass eastbound with two passengers: a 52-year-old woman and the 82-year-old woman.
The SUV was traveling behind a Caltrans vehicle operated by Jesse Warren, age 33. Both vehicles were in an area where eastbound and westbound lanes are separated by a broken yellow line. As the Jeep attempted to pass the Caltrans vehicle using the westbound lane, Warren began making a left turn into a state-owned driveway. The Jeep’s driver swerved left to avoid hitting the Caltrans truck but lost control, veered off the north side of the road, hit an embankment and overturned onto its roof.
The driver and front-seat passenger were both wearing seatbelts. The driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to Adventist Health Sonora. The front-seat passenger suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.
The rear passenger, who also wore her seatbelt, died at the scene due to her injuries.
One-way traffic control remained in effect for several hours following the crash while authorities responded. CHP said alcohol and drugs are not suspected as factors in this collision.
CHP is continuing its investigation into the incident. Anyone who witnessed what happened is asked to contact their Sonora Area office at 209-984-3944.
