SANTA NELLA — Two young children were seriously injured Monday evening when they were struck by a vehicle on a residential street in Santa Nella, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Los Banos office.

The crash was reported around 6:03 p.m. March 16 on South Venus Street. CHP said a 36‑year‑old Gustine man was driving a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria southbound at an unknown speed when he failed to stop for two children in the roadway. The Ford’s right front struck both children, ages 5 and 2.

The children were initially taken by their parent to Memorial Hospital Los Banos before being transferred to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera for specialized care. They were listed in critical but stable condition, authorities said.

CHP said the driver left the scene “for safety” but was later contacted by officers in the parking lot of Pea Soup Andersen’s. Alcohol or drugs were not factors in the collision, investigators said.

The incident remains under investigation.

CHP urged drivers to slow down and remain alert in neighborhoods, noting the increased risk to children, bicyclists, pets and others who may be in the street.