Two drivers, a passenger suffer major injuries in two Modesto DUI crashes

Three people are hospitalized with major injuries suffered in two DUI crashes in Modesto on Sunday, according to Modesto police.

The first crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. Sunday at Carver Road and Briggsmore Avenue.

Traffic Sgt. Dan Starr said a witness reported seeing sparks coming from a red Chevrolet Camaro traveling an estimated 90 mph on northbound Carver Road.

He said the Camaro ran a red light and hit a Nissan Maxima that was eastbound on Briggsmore.

Both the driver of the Nissan, a 69-year-old Modesto woman, and the passenger in the Camaro, a 35-year-old Waterford woman, suffered major injuries.

Starr said the Waterford woman’s injuries included multiple broken bones. She was trapped inside the Camaro for 35 minutes as firefighters worked to extricate her.

The driver of the Camaro, 47-year-old Michael Amie of Modesto, was not injured. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, Starr said.

The second crash occurred just before 8 p.m. when the driver of a Honda Civic veered of the road on westbound Tuolumne Boulevard under the Highway 99 over-crossing.

Starr said the Honda hit a raised sidewalk, causing the 38-year-old driver from Modesto to lose control.

The vehicle overturned and the driver was ejected. He landed in a ditch and then the Honda came to rest on its side in the ditch, pinning the driver underneath.

Starr said a bystander came to the driver’s assistance, pushing the vehicle onto its wheels and freeing the driver.

The driver suffered major injuries and remains hospitalized. Starr said he is suspected of being under the influence and officers will pursue charges against him upon his release from the hospital.

His name was withheld because he has not been formally arrested, Starr said.