The crash happened at about 8:12 a.m. on Mather Boulevard near Douglas Road, and involved a gray Hyundai Elantra and a Chevrolet Equinox.
Rancho Cordova, CA – A child was killed, and two other people were injured after two vehicles collided head-on on Mather Boulevard near Rancho Cordova on Wednesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash happened at about 8:12 a.m. on Mather Boulevard near Douglas Road, and involved a gray Hyundai Elantra and a Chevrolet Equinox.
CHP said the Hyundai was traveling southbound when it crossed the double yellow lines, entered the northbound lanes, and collided head-on with the Equinox.
According to the CHP, three people suffered major injuries and were transported to hospitals. Two of the injured were initially reported to be in critical condition. One of the patients, a 10-year-old child, later died from the injuries.
Authorities said the child was a student at Mather Heights Elementary School. CHP had initially reported that the child was hospitalized in critical condition before later confirming the fatality.
Investigators are looking into whether the Hyundai driver was attempting to pass a slower-moving vehicle before crossing into the opposite lane. CHP has not confirmed that maneuver as the cause of the crash.
The head-on collision blocked both directions of Mather Boulevard, with the roadway closed between Douglas Road and Alert Road while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.
The closure remained in place for several hours before crews cleared the roadway and reopened it shortly after 10 a.m. Tow crews also responded to remove the damaged vehicles, while investigators processed the scene for evidence.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.