Hit-and-run driver sought in double fatal crash in Merced County

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Authorities are searching for a hit-and-run driver accused of causing a crash that killed two people in Merced County. The crash happened in the northbound lanes of Highway 99 near Sultana Drive around 9 a.m. Monday.

California Highway Patrol officers say a silver or white sedan lost control and hit two other vehicles. An SUV flipped over and landed in the southbound lanes. Two passengers died at the scene, and the third was flown to an area hospital with major injuries. A car was also knocked into the southbound lanes, but no one inside was hurt.

Investigators say the person responsible for the crash left the scene, and agencies across the area are now trying to find that driver.

All of the southbound lanes were closed for about half an hour after the wreck.