November 16 Merced accident injures five

On November 16 there was a single-vehicle accident in Merced that injured five people. Reportedly the truck was westbound on Olive Avenue near Bedford Drive when it veered off of the right side of the road. The right side of the front of the truck hit a tree. Phillip Lopez was a passenger in that vehicle and he suffered serious injuries as a result of the accident. The driver along with three other passengers were taken to Mercy Medical Center with minor injuries. Alcohol was not a factor in the accident, but prescription drugs may have been. The investigation is still ongoing.