MENDOCINO COUNTY — A Willits woman crossed into oncoming traffic about 6:48 a.m. Thursday on Highway 101 south of Willits and crashed head-on into a family, killing the mother and causing major injuries to the husband and 12-year-old boy, California Highway Patrol stated.
Maria Serrano Romero, 43, of Fort Bragg was pronounced dead at the scene, Sgt. Dave Tafel of CHP said.
Rossalie Anchordoguy, 58, was driving north on Highway 101 about 55 mph when she crossed over the double yellow lines into the path of Romero and her family, CHP reported that initial investigation and physical evidence showed. The cars crashed head-on and came to a rest blocking the southbound lane. The highway south of Hollands Lane was closed for about two hours. Anchordoguy also suffered major injuries and was transported by Ukiah Ambulance to Howard Memorial Hospital, CHP stated.
Little Lake Fire Department used the Jaws of Life to extricate Romero”s front passenger, Alvalo Tecayehuatl, 41, CHP stated. An Ukiah Ambulance transported him to Ukiah Valley Medical Center for major injuries. An ambulance also took passenger Luis Garcia, 12, to Howard Memorial Hospital for major injuries. Passenger Maria Garcia Serrano, 7, had moderate injuries and an Ukiah Ambulance took her to Ukiah Valley Medical Center.
CHP is investigating the crash. CHP, CalFIRE, Little Lake Fire Department, Mendocino County Sheriff”s Department, Caltrans and citizens assisted at the crash site.
