LAKE COUNTY ? Several agencies responded to a multiple vehicle collision Tuesday on Highway 20 about a mile east of New Long Valley Road in Clearlake Oaks. Preliminary reports indicated that the collision, which occurred at approximately 3:24 p.m., involved as many as six vehicles including a big rig.
Upon arrival, a medic advised dispatch of four to five patients including one with moderate to major injuries as well as “several walking wounded.” He also advised one vehicle over the embankment and a driver pinned in a semi truck. Additional response by Lake County Environmental Health, California Department of Fish and Game and Office of Emergency Services was requested for a fuel spill into Cache Creek. Dispatched requested clarification as to whether or not the fuel was cargo. The official on scene advised diesel fuel was leaking from the semi truck, not a fuel transport tank. According to the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Web page, the truck was carrying pears.
Response by REACH air ambulances was also requested. Two patients were transported to St. Helena Hospital Clearlake for transfer via REACH units.
The crash caused closure of Highway 20 between Highways 16 and 53. No further details regarding the incident were available as of press time Tuesday night.
