The Mercury News reports that one of its carriers was critically injured and his passenger was killed after their car was struck this morning by an alleged drunk driver who police say ran a red light at Oakland Road and Murphy Avenue in San Jose.

The driver of the Buick seen here was Hao Duy Ngo of San Jose, who was believed to be on his way to the Merc to pick up his morning papers when his car was struck by a GMC Sierra. Police found several bundled up newspapers and a bag of rubber bands in the Buick.

The relationship between Ngo and his passenger was not immediately known. Her name isn’t being released until next of kin are notified. Ngo was listed in critical condition at an unidentified hospital, police said.

Merc said its carriers earn about $1,500 monthly, and are paid by the number of newspapers they deliver. Ngo has been delivering the Merc since 2002. He is one of about 900 drivers for the paper.

Arrested for DUI and vehicular manslaughter was Guillermo Ruiz, 32, of San Jose. He was slightly injured in the accident, the Merc said. (Photo credit: (Lisa Fernandez, Mercury News)