GUSTINE – A head-on collision on Highway 33 north of Gustine Thursday, July 24 sent three people, including an 11-year-old, to regional hospitals.

According to California Highway Patrol reports, the accident occurred when a suspected drunken driver crossed the center line of the highway and collided with an oncoming vehicle driven by 31-year-old Maria Silva of Newman.

Four children were passengers in the 2005 Toyota driven by Silva. One of her passengers, 11-year-old Fabian Gonzalez of Turlock, was flown to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento with major injuries, according to CHP spokesman Mike Panelli. He was listed in fair condition Monday.

None of the other three children, who ranged in age from 10 to 14, were transported for treatment.

Panelli said Roman Huerta, 34, of Los Banos, was the driver of the southbound 1988 Chevrolet van which reportedly crossed into the path of the northbound vehicle driven by Silva. Huerta was airlifted to Memorial Medical Center, Modesto, with major injuries, according to Panelli. Huerta was listed in stable condition Monday, a hospital spokesperson said.

Panelli said Huerta faces charges of felony DUI and driving without a license.

Silva was taken by ground ambulance to Emanuel Medical Center, Turlock, where she was treated and released early Friday morning.

The accident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on Highway 33 between Bambauer and Canal School roads.