LAKE COUNTY — Lucerne resident Lori Ann Bandkeech, 48, was killed in a head-on collision with a semi truck Monday night, according to the California Highway Patrol.
What caused Bandkeech to swerve in front of the truck is still unknown while authorities continue to investigate, according to CHP officer Adam Garcia. Bandkeech was driving west on Highway 20 just after 5:30 p.m. in a silver 2000 Volkswagen Beetle when she turned left across double yellow lines into the path of a 1994 Freightliner tractor-trailer belonging to Lundberg Family Farms of Richvale. Bandkeech died at the scene of the accident.
Garcia said Bandkeech”s car “was called in by numerous citizens as it was swerving into the oncoming traffic minutes prior to the traffic collision.”
The truck driver, Magalia resident Leo Steinle, 50, was not injured.
The highway was closed to traffic in both directions for approximately three and a half hours while CHP officers investigated and the Lake County Sheriff”s Department performed coroner duties, according to a Tuesday CHP press release.
Garcia said authorities won”t know whether Bandkeech was under the influence of alcohol or drugs until a toxicology report is prepared.
Caltrans, Fire Department personnel, and tow companies responded to clean debris from the roadway and remove the damaged Volkswagen and tractor-trailer.
Drivers were warned of the road closure by electronic signs posted on Highway 20 at its junctures with Highway 29 and Highway 53.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com, or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
