Hollister woman driving a Chevy Prism dies after turning into
the path of a Ford F-250 pick-up truck
A Hollister woman died Thursday morning after she turned into the path of a pick-up truck in the middle of the intersection at Union and San Juan/Hollister roads, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Apolinaria Vu, 49, who died of massive blunt force trauma, was traveling westbound on San Juan/Hollister road just before 5:30am at an unknown speed, according to CHP spokesman Chris Armstrong.
Hollister resident Christopher Drew was driving a Ford F-250 pick-up truck between 35 to 40 mph northbound on Union Road, approaching the intersection at Union Road and San Juan/Hollister Road, when Vu made a left-hand turn directly into Drew’s path, Armstrong said.
At the T-intersection, which is just before the signal light at Highway 156 and Union Road, Vu had a stop sign and Drew had the right-of-way, however police do not know if Vu stopped, Armstrong said.
“We have no witnesses and no statement to base anything on at this point,” Armstrong said.
While Drew attempted to brake and veer left to avoid colliding with the woman, the front of Drew’s truck hit the left front of Vu’s Prism.
The driver’s side of the Prism took the brunt of the impact and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, Armstrong said. Vu’s family members were unavailable for comment Thursday.
While Drew, 29, had no injuries, his passenger, 50-year-old Hollister resident Monica Fernandez sustained minor injuries and complained of pain in her left arm and leg. She was flown to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, however is considered in good condition and was expected to be released Thursday night, Armstrong said.
The woman’s Prism had major collision damage, specifically to the driver’s side, and Drew’s truck sustained moderate front-end damage, Armstrong said.
Although alcohol is not considered to be a factor, the accident remains under investigation.
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or
em*******@fr***********.com
