Ceres, CA – 16-Year-Old Seriously Injured in Single-Car Crash in Elementary School Lot

On December 27, 2024, a 16-year-old boy from Ceres sustained major injuries after falling from a moving pickup truck in the parking lot of Hidahl Elementary School, located on East Redwood Road. According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred in the afternoon when the teen fell while sitting on the lowered tailgate of a GMC pickup truck. The driver, another 16-year-old boy, was reportedly uninjured, but the victim suffered traumatic injuries and went into cardiac arrest.

The Modesto Fire Department responded quickly to the scene and found the teenager in critical condition. Emergency medical services provided immediate medical aid before transporting the boy to Doctors Medical Center. From there, he was airlifted to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland for further treatment. The accident was deemed a result of the driver accelerating the vehicle while the victim was sitting on the tailgate, causing the boy to fall onto the asphalt parking lot. Authorities have stated that they do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash, and the investigation is ongoing.

In 2023, Ceres recorded 241 victims killed or injured in traffic accidents, an increase from 207 in 2022. The California Office of Traffic Safety ranked Ceres 19th out of 93 similar-sized cities for total fatal and injury collisions, reflecting a relatively high accident rate compared to its peers. The city also reported a rise in incidents involving alcohol, pedestrian accidents, and bicyclist injuries, all of which contributed to the local crash statistics. Speeding and impaired driving remain significant factors in accidents, both statewide and locally, with speeding often cited as a key contributor to crashes in many areas, including Ceres.