Lake County >> A Thursday morning crash on Highway 29 killed a big rig driver and injured several others, requiring officers to close off the area to oncoming traffic for most of the day.
Clearlake resident Justin Brink, heading southbound, crossed over the double-yellow lines on Highway 29 south of Highway 175 — Cobb, according to a collision report from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Brink’s 2013 Mazda 3 collided with the left, front end of a northbound 2008 International refrigerated box truck, which caused the unidentified driver to lose control and crash into a southbound 2006 Toyota Solara before coming to rest on its side, blocking both highway lanes. Some witnesses believe the victim began to lose control as he reacted to the car crossing into his lane.
The incident was reported at about 8:15 a.m. In less than an hour, CHP and officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) were redirecting traffic to Red Hills Road while both lanes on Highway 29 remained closed until about 3:30 p.m. Crews from the Kelseyville Fire Protection District, as well as Lake County Fire Protection District responded to the call as well.
Brink, 24, broke his left leg and was flown out via REACH air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, the CHP report stated. Toyota driver Monte Yttreness, 68, and his passenger Jeanne Yttreness, 64, both of Ukiah, sustained minor injuries and were transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital for treatment of cuts to the face and complaints of pain to the back.
The truck driver, of Meridian, died at the scene making him the 12 vehicle fatality in Lake County this year. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the CHP, Clear Lake area office at (707) 279-0103.
