Last Updated on March 1, 2026 by CCAR Staff
A fatal crash early Friday morning on State Route 33 near Cypress Road just north of Los Banos killed at least one person, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:03 a.m. when a gray BMW X1 rolled over and landed in a ditch on the northeast side of the roadway. Two people occupied the vehicle at the time of the crash, and all six airbags deployed. Emergency responders from the Los Banos area, including fire and medical crews, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. Authorities confirmed the fatality at 6:44 a.m.
The BMW struck a utility pole, bringing down high-voltage power lines and causing significant hazards on the roadway. The impact affected approximately 3,000 customers in the area, prompting Pacific Gas & Electric crews to respond and clear the downed wires. Both northbound and southbound lanes of State Route 33 were blocked for several hours as crews worked to secure the scene and restore power.
Tow trucks removed the BMW and another involved vehicle from the scene. The California Department of Transportation assisted with a hard closure of the northbound lane while emergency crews cleared the area. Authorities notified the local coroner and arranged for the removal of the deceased by a local body shop.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The California Highway Patrol has not released the names of those involved pending notification of next of kin.
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