CHP looking for driver who disappeared after U-Haul plunged into Merced creek
The California Highway Patrol is investigating a collision reported early Saturday on Highway 99 after a U-Haul truck was located submerged in Bear Creek.
No injuries have been reported and CHP investigators as of Sunday morning were still looking for the driver of the truck, according to Officer Eric Zuniga.
According to the CHP, the collision occurred at about 3:40 a.m. along the northbound lanes of Highway 99, near the V Street exit.
Zuniga said it appears the truck was traveling northbound on Highway 99 in the No. 2 lane when for unknown reasons, the vehicle struck the guardrail and crashed into Bear Creek.
Authorities said the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded to assist with the recovery of the vehicle.
Zuniga said the truck was rented out of the Fresno area and was not reported stolen. According to the CHP, no injuries consistent with the collision were reported at nearby hospitals.
Authorities said the No. 2 lane of northbound Highway 99 was closed during the recovery of the vehicle and was reopened Saturday evening. According to Zuniga, the hit-and-run property damage collision remains under investigation.
