5-year-old boy among 2 killed after SUV plunges off El Dorado County highway

Two people have died after an SUV veered off Highway 50 and plunged into the South Fork of the American River in El Dorado County, officials said.

The crash happened shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday along the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 near Ice House Road, according to the California Highway Patrol's Placerville office.

Investigators said a 2024 Hyundai SUV went off the roadway and plunged about 100 feet down into the river.

The front-seat passenger died at the scene, CHP said. Three others – the driver and two children, ages 11 and 5 – were taken to Marshall Medical Center.

The 5-year-old boy later died from his injuries, CHP said.

The driver, an adult man, suffered serious injuries. The 11-year-old child also suffered major injuries.

Investigators said all four people are from Tracy. Their exact relationship has not yet been confirmed.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though CHP said DUI has been ruled out.

Caltrans said Highway 50 near Riverton and Ice House Road was under one-way traffic control following the crash.