MERCED COUNTY — Four people were hospitalized Friday morning after a two‑vehicle crash on westbound State Route 152 that left three passengers ejected from an SUV, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The collision was reported at 9:48 a.m. May 22 just west of the Romero Visitor Center. CHP investigators said an 18‑year‑old Los Banos man was driving a 1999 BMW coupe in the No. 1 westbound lane when he lost control of the car for unknown reasons. The BMW entered the center median, spun back into traffic and struck a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling in the No. 2 lane.

The impact sent the Tahoe into the center‑median guardrail. Three of the SUV’s passengers, who were not wearing seat belts, were ejected. CHP said four occupants suffered moderate to major injuries and were taken by ambulance to hospitals in Modesto.