An early morning collision on Monday, Feb. 27 resulted in two fatalities.

The crash occurred on State Route (Highway) 4, just west of Dunton Road. It occurred just before 6:40 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

Emergency personnel were dispatched and arrived on scene, locating two vehicles with major front end collision damage.

Both drivers succumbed to their injuries at the scene, said authorities.

The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office identified the crash victims as Gurjot Kaur, 21, of Stockton and Rudy Mercado, 51, of Copperopolis.

According to the CHP report, Kaur was driving her 2010 Honda sedan eastbound on Highway 4, west of Dunton Road, approaching a left bend in the roadway. Mercado was driving his 2004 Toyota pickup westbound on Highway 4, just west of Dunton Road. Kaur crossed over the double yellow line, entering the westbound traffic lane directly in font of the Toyota. Both drivers turned their vehicles toward the north shoulder in an attempt to avoid the collision. The front of the Honda, however, collided head -on with the front of the Toyota.

It is unknown at this time if drugs and/or alcohol contributed to the collision. Kaur, authorities said, was not wearing her seatbelt when the crash occurred. Neither driver had passengers in their vehicle.

The CHP reminds all motorists that seatbelts, when worn properly, have the ability to save your life when involved in a traffic collision. Further, drivers should only pass slower-moving vehicles when it is safe and legal to do so.