Southbound Highway 99 shut down south of Merced after deadly crash

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The southbound lanes of Highway 99 is closed off near Merced Friday night after a crash left at least one person dead, the California Highway Patrol said.

Authorities said three cars collided when a vehicle traveling north veered into the oncoming lanes near Plainsburg Road. Traffic in the area is being diverted while investigators look into how the crash happened.

Stay with ABC30 for updates.