Two people were injured in a traffic collision on Walnut Avenue near Cressey Way in Merced County.

CHP responded to the area at 7:34 a.m.

When officers arrived on scene they discovered a New Holland tractor and Toyota Tacoma believed to be involved in the collision.

A portion of Walnut Avenue was quickly shut down.

The investigation determined Santiago Soto, 60, from Winton was driving a New Holland tractor westbound on Cressey Way, approaching Walnut Avenue at approximately 10 to 15 miles per hour, with the appropriate slow moving vehicle triangle visible as well as the four-way flashers activated. 

Meanwhile, Mao Moua, 58, from Winton was driving a Toyota Tacoma westbound on Cressey Way, approaching the rear of the tractor at approximately 55 miles per hour, according to Public Information Officer Eric Zuniga. Moua failed to notice the tractor traveling at a slow rate of speed ahead and failed to slow/stop the truck before colliding with the rear of the tractor. 

As a result of the collision, Soto sustained a laceration to the forehead and was transported by air ambulance to Memorial Medical Center – Modesto, for treatment of his injuries. Moua was transported by ground ambulance to Emanuel Medical Center – Turlock, for complaint of pain to the chest.

No drugs or alcohol appear to be a factor to this collision.