CLEARLAKE OAKS >> Several units from the Northshore Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE and law enforcement responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks on Tuesday morning.
A pick up truck slid off the road and down an embankment on the lakeshore. As a result of the crash, one occupant was airlifted to Vacaville for treatment. The severity of the injury was unknown at press time.
The other two people reportedly in the vehicle suffered no reported serious injuries.
According to accounts from those at the scene, the truck was heading east on Highway 20 around 10 a.m. when the incident occurred. Initial reports claimed the truck had left the road and entered Clear Lake. However, fire department officials confirmed that the vehicle was never submerged.
The pick up truck did end up in an awkward position, with its bed toward the lake and the front at a steep angle. Firefighters indicated that the lake”s low level as a result of the drought may have saved the truck from sliding into the water.
Still, the circumstances — including the lack of a safety shoulder at the location — forced authorities to close the eastbound lane of the highway for more than 45 minutes until removal was completed. Westbound lanes were reopened earlier.
Six emergency units responded, including Northshore units from Lucerne and Clearlake Oaks.
At press time, the California Highway Patrol had not issued an initial report on the incident, so there was no indication from investigators as to what caused the pick up to leave the road.
No names on those involved had been released.
