MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Three people were airlifted to a local hospital Sunday evening after a head-on DUI crash near Merced, the California Highway Patrol announced.

At about 7:30 p.m., officers say they responded to a reported crash near Highway 140, east of Rogers Road, where they found two vehicles collided head-on, inflicting major injuries.

Investigators reported 46-year-old Francisco Nicholas Juan of Merced was driving a 2011 Toyota Prius at an unknown rate of speed east on Highway 140. At the same time, a 2011 Nissan Altima was headed westbound on the same highway.

CHP says Juan drifted into the opposing lane, and ultimately collided head on into the Nissan Altima. The two occupants of the Nissan were airlifted to a local hospital with major injuries, along with Juan, who also sustained major injuries.

During their investigation, officers determined that Juan was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and arrested him on a charge of felony DUI.

The crash is still under investigation, and anyone with additional information is asked to contact Investigating Officer Jose Escobar at 209-356-6600.