LAKE COUNTY — A Chico woman was killed in a multiple vehicle collision Sunday afternoon on Highway 20 east of Verna Way. Fatal injuries were sustained by Marina Bajczi, 22.
Injuries were sustained by five others involved in the collision as well.
According to California Highway Patrol, Ernie Hunt, 73, of Cloverdale was traveling at an unknown speed westbound on Highway 20 east of Verna Way in a 2002 Itsa motor home. The time was about 1:31 p.m.
Bajczi was traveling at approximately 35 to 40 mph eastbound on Highway 20 east of Verna Way while Claude Speegle, 57, of Winters, was traveling eastbound directly behind her.
The CHP stated that for unknown reasons Hunt drifted to left and across the double yellow lines. The front of his motor home then collided with the front of Bajczi”s 2005 Chevy Equinox. Upon impact the Equinox, the motor home continued out of control and then collided with the front of the Chevy pickup Speegle was driving.
After hitting the pickup the motor home continued out of control and traveled off the roadway and down a dirt embankment where it burst into flames. Subsequently, a wildland fire ignited on both sides of the highway, the CHP said.
Bajczi sustained fatal injuries in the collision and her passenger, Ruben Masso, 30, of Chico, received major injuries, including lacerations.
Hunt was transported via air ambulance to UC Davis Medical Center for treatment of 20 percent burns to the body.
Speegle received minor injuries and had only complaints of pain while one of his passengers, Nick Scholl, 67, of Winters, received moderate injuries including lacerations to the face and the other, Bob Fenili, 54, of Winters, received minor injuries, including lacerations to the left leg.
According to Northshore Fire Protection District, the wildland blaze consumed about five to six acres. Fire Chief Jim Robbins said that a CalFire helicopter came right in and made drops on the head of the fire contributing to quick suppression effort.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
