Two killed on I-5 in Merced County after big rig hits car, leading to seven-car crash
Two people died late Saturday afternoon when a big rig smashed into a car, triggering a crash involving seven vehicles on Interstate 5 in Merced County, the California Highway Patrol said.
A memorial fund has been set up by the family of the victims, identified as Joseph Haddad, 63, and passenger, Brenda Haddad, 53, both of Contra Costa County,
Traffic on northbound I-5 had slowed and eventually came to a stop about 4:30 p.m. near the John Erreca Rest Area. But a big rig failed to stop, according to the CHP, and hit a 2018 Chevy Mailbu, killing the two people inside.
The Malibu rolled into another vehicle and that impact, in turn, pushed those into other vehicles.
Seven vehicles in all were involved, CHP spokesman Shannon Stiers said.
One driver was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.
Northbound traffic was diverted onto Nees Avenues during the cleanup and investigation.
This story was originally published July 12, 2020 at 2:29 AM.
