A Fort Bragg woman and two juveniles suffered injuries on Sunday, September 18, 2022, when their vehicle slid off the rain-slicked State Route 20 plummeting over 100′ down an embankment. By request of those involved, we will not name the driver who suffered major injuries and remains hospitalized.
California Highway Patrol Officer Olegario Marin told us the incident occurred on State Route 20 west of James Creek. The vehicle was driving westbound and slid across double yellow lines. The vehicle then careened off the roadway traveling approximately 100′-150′ down the embankment.
Officer Marin told us emergency personnel from CAL FIRE and Little Lake Fire District deployed a hoist mechanism for rope rescue due to the steepness of the embankment’s slope.
The driver, an adult woman from Fort Bragg, sustained major injuries, and two juveniles sustained minor to moderate injuries. All three were then transported to the Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits by Medstar ambulance for treatment.
Officer Marin reminds Mendocino County during rainy conditions, “many crashes result from driving too fast. Please slow down.” Other inclement weather safety tips include drivers should not stop on roadways, keeping a distance from stalled/disabled vehicles, and be vigilant for emergency vehicles during inclement weather.
