Two people died early Tuesday after their car left Hickman Road, hit a concrete irrigation box, and caught fire, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
CHP Modesto reported that officers responded at about 12:30 a.m. to the crash site just north of Cogswell Road. Emergency crews found a 2012 Toyota sedan on fire with both occupants inside. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said the vehicle was traveling north when it veered off the east side of the road and struck the irrigation box, which caused it to catch fire. The names of those who died have not been released.
Authorities have not determined if drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident. Hickman Road was closed for several hours during the investigation, but traffic delays were minimal.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
