Lake County >> A head-on collision between a car and semi-truck Tuesday morning resulted in the death of a northshore woman.
According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports, the accident occurred on Highway 20 near Clearlake Oaks at approximately 6:30 a.m., half a mile west of the intersection of Highways 53 and 20. The unidentified woman, 40, of Nice was driving a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier eastbound when her reportedly car entered the westbound lane directly into the path of a semi-truck that was pulling two trailers with empty agricultural produce bins.
Semi-truck driver Tomas Araujo, of Lodi, attempted to avoid the oncoming Chevrolet by turning to the left. Instead some on the scene reported that he started to jacknife. Meanwhile the woman’s car cut back into the eastbound lane and collided head-on. The front end of the truck plowed over the car.
The woman died at the scene from injuries, but Araujo, 54, was uninjured. Both parties were using their safety equipment, according to law enforcement officers.
In addition to CHP, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Northshore fire units responded to the accident.
Highway 20 was blocked as a result of the crash, and one-way traffic control was conducted until about 10:15 a.m.
The crash is under investigation by CHP officer Efrain Cortez. The investigation is ongoing. Witnesses are asked to contact the CHP’s Clear Lake Area office in Kelseyville at 707-279-0103.
Tuesday’s death marked the 14th vehicle related fatality in the county. Authorities have not identified the victim pending notification of family.
