Gilroy, California - Tragedy struck on Tuesday morning as a 78-year-old Santa Clara resident lost his life in a collision between his vehicle and a tomato harvester while traveling on state Highway 152 east of Gilroy, as reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The identity of the deceased individual has not been disclosed at this time. According to the CHP, the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. when the man was driving eastward in a 2021 Toyota RAV4, east of Canada Road. At that moment, his vehicle collided with the front of the tomato harvester, ultimately coming to a halt in a nearby field.
In a display of compassion, a Good Samaritan stopped to offer assistance and promptly dialed 911. Nevertheless, despite the arrival of emergency medical personnel, the man was tragically declared dead at the scene.
The passenger in the Toyota, a 76-year-old Santa Clara woman, sustained severe injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center for medical treatment, according to CHP officials.
The operator of the tomato harvester, a 22-year-old Coalinga man, emerged from the incident without injury.
CHP officials have indicated that no arrests were made in connection with the collision, and there is no evidence to suggest that drug or alcohol impairment played a role in the tragic accident.