At approximately 2:50 p.m. a semi-truck collided head-on with a blue sedan causing major injuries and blocking Highway 101 south of Laytonville.
Scanner traffic indicates that the highway might be closed down for “a couple of hours” as first responders clean up the scene and ground/air ambulance tend to the wounded.
The California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information Page indicates the semi-truck is over the side of the roadway.
UPDATE 3:19 p.m.: Scanner traffic indicates the REACH air ambulance has accepted the assignment and CalTrans has been requested to assist in shutting down the roadway. A second individual is reported needing some sort of medical treatment. The extent of their injuries is unknown.
UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: The Incident Commander said Highway 101 is closed for a “hard closure indefinitely.”
UPDATE 3:37 p.m.: The CHP Incident Information Page indicates the front end of the semi-truck is 18 feet down an embankment and the rear of the semi is “right at the end of the roadway.” A heavy tow is en route to the incident from Ukiah.
UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: A dispatcher from the California Highway Patrol Garberville Office told us one-lane traffic has been initiated on Highway 101.
UPDATE 4:32: The CHP Traffic Incident Information page indicates at least 41 gallons of diesel and four gallons of motor oil spilled in the roadway as well as an unknown amount on the dirt shoulder.
UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: Laytonville Fire Department Chief Sue Carberry told us traffic is still one-way and controlled. First responders are working to clean up the gasoline and oil associated with the collision.
UPDATE 8:41 p.m.: Laytonville Fire Chief Sue Carberry confirmed that Highway 101 has reopened to traffic in both directions.
Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.
AGAIN