Gustine, CA – In the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2026, a 21-year-old man was arrested after a dune buggy crashed into the Delta-Mendota Canal west of Gustine, leaving one woman missing and two other passengers injured, according to The Modesto Bee.
The California Highway Patrol Los Banos reported receiving a call at approximately 12:06 AM regarding the crash, which occurred near Highway 140 at Gravel Pit Road. Officers responded to the scene and initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
Investigators stated that the driver, identified as Elixandro Naranjo Miranda, 21, of Patterson, was operating a dune buggy along the canal bank with three passengers, one adult man and two adult women. CHP said the vehicle entered the canal at an estimated speed of about 10 miles per hour amid poor visibility caused by darkness and heavy dust conditions.
According to CHP, Miranda and two of the passengers were able to exit the submerged vehicle, swim to the canal bank, and climb to safety. One of the women remained unaccounted for, prompting search and recovery efforts.
The two recovered passengers were transported by ambulance to a hospital with moderate injuries. Their conditions were not further detailed by authorities.
CHP reported that the passengers and an independent witness stated Miranda fled the scene following the crash. Officers later responded to Miranda’s residence, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Miranda was booked into the Merced County Jail on felony hit-and-run charges and additional related offenses. The investigation remains ongoing as CHP continues to document evidence and coordinate search efforts for the missing woman.
Personal Injury Claims
When the actions of reckless drivers cause others to be injured, the cost of recovery should not fall on their victims. Filing a Personal Injury Claim with the at-fault party’s insurance can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate these emotional complexities.
California Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
