CHP Release Details On Hwy 49 Tuttletown Crash

Published Apr 1, 2026 11:49 am

CHP MML File Photo

Tuttletown, CA – The CHP has released new details regarding a three-vehicle rollover crash on Highway 49 in the Tuttletown area of Tuolumne County that stalled traffic last week.

As reported here last Wednesday, March 25, 2026, around 7:35 a.m., the collision occurred south of Sapphire Ridge Road, blocking the roadway with CHP officers redirecting backed-up traffic. CHP spokesperson Officer Steve Machado reports that 22-year-old Christian Gandara of Sacramento was driving a 2022 Ford F250 towing a trailer southbound on the highway and was stopped to turn left at the Lakeside Inn Gas station.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Joseph Scharli of Murphys was driving a 2004 Toyota Highlander northbound on the highway, along with a 15-year-old passenger. Behind Scharli was 59-year-old Brinda Dalal of Oakland, driving a 2015 Volvo sedan. Machado detailed, “Gandara failed to yield to oncoming traffic and made a left turn directly into the path of Scharli. As a result, the front of Scharli’s vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the trailer.” Machado continued, “Scharli’s vehicle overturned, and the debris from his vehicle struck Dalal’s vehicle.”

Scahrli and his teen passenger suffered minor injuries. Scharli was transported by ground ambulance to Adventist Health Sonora for treatment, while his passenger was sent to UC Merced. No other injuries were reported. Machado also stated that alcohol and drugs were not involved in the crash.