A latching mechanism configured to fasten a hood panel to a vehicle body for covering a vehicle under-hood compartment includes a fork bolt positionable between a first position and at least one second position having a channel configured to capture the striker. A device releasably engages the fork bolt to adjust the fork bolt from the first position to the second position. A latch is positionable between at least the second position and a third position and includes a body including a primary catch portion and a secondary catch portion configured to releasably engage the striker in the second position. An actuator cooperates with the device and includes a projection configured to engage a portion of the latch body to adjust the latch from the second position to the third position. The secondary catch portion releases the striker in the third position.