Officer Injured in Merced Highway Crash | Sacramento News

Sacramento News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 5, 2026 · 1m

A highway patrol officer is recovering from serious injuries after a head-on crash with a tractor-trailer on State Route 59 north of Merced. The officer, making a U-turn, was struck by the big rig traveling in the opposite lane, sending his patrol car off the road. He was airlifted to the hospital with significant but non-life-threatening injuries. The truck driver walked away unharmed. SR 59 was closed for several hours while authorities investigated — no alcohol or drugs suspected — and motorists were urged to find alternate routes. The roadway is expected to reopen later today. Listen in…