Boy died in car crash on Hwy. 152 Monday night

A 7-year-old Los Banos boy died in a car crash on eastbound Highway 152, west of Dinosaur Point around 6:50 p.m. on Monday.

A 29-year-old male, was driving a Toyota Tercel at an unknown speed in the fast lane when he switched lanes behind a big rig truck. The car crashed into the back trailer of the truck, which was traveling at a slower speed than the car, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Amy Tritenbach. 

The 7-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene.

The driver of the Toyota and his 38-year-old male front seat passenger also endured moderate injuries and were airlifted to a hospital in San Jose. The driver and passengers in the Toyota are Los Banos residents. The big rig driver is from King City.

The Toyota sustained major damage, while the big rig sustained only mild damage to the rear. 

At this point, Tritenbach said that alcohol did not appear to be a factor. Tritenbach said that the 7-year-old was not properly restrained according to California law. The investigation is ongoing. 

The right lane of Highway 152 was closed from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday.