The Highway Patrol responded to a tractor vs a pedestrian today at approximately 6:40 am,  it happened in the area of SR59 north of Bellevue Road.

Upon arrival, it was determined that a man approximately 25-years-old was walking northbound on the right shoulder of SR 59 south of Bellevue Road.

A 59-year-old male from Merced was driving a 1970 Case Tractor southbound on SR59 north of Bellevue Road at approximately 18-20 mph, for unknown reasons at this time, the pedestrian walked into the path of the tractor causing the driver to swerve to the right in attempt to avoid hitting him, but was unable to avoid the collision.

Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor on the tractor driver.

It is unknown if the pedestrian was under the influence at the time of the collision CHP said.

This incident is still under investigation.