Tehama County Reels After Devastating Highway 99 Crash
On Wednesday afternoon, the Tehama County community was shaken by a serious collision on northbound Highway 99 near 3rd Avenue, just north of Los Molinos. Around 1:20 p.m., a minivan slowed to make a left turn when a logging semi-truck traveling behind it failed to stop in time and rear-ended the vehicle, causing major damage to the minivan and serious injuries to its occupants.
Two women were inside the minivan at the time of the crash. The passenger suffered major injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital, while the driver sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance. Fortunately, the semi-truck driver was unharmed, but the impact left a scene of devastation on the highway.
🚑 Emergency Response and Road Closures
Emergency crews quickly responded to the crash, working to secure the scene and attend to the injured women. Highway 99 was temporarily closed in both directions while authorities cleared the wreckage and ensured safety for other motorists. The highway has since reopened to traffic, but the crash served as a stark reminder of how quickly accidents can happen and the importance of maintaining safe distances and attention while driving.
Witnesses described the impact as sudden and violent, leaving the minivan heavily damaged in the rear. The quick response by law enforcement and medical personnel was crucial in providing immediate care and potentially saving lives.
🕯️ Community Support and Road Safety Awareness
The crash has prompted an outpouring of concern from the local community, with neighbors, friends, and family expressing hope for a full recovery for both women. Incidents like this highlight the importance of safe driving practices, defensive driving, and awareness of heavy vehicles on highways.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, emphasizing that motorists should remain vigilant, especially near intersections or when vehicles slow to turn. The community is urged to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts during this difficult time while lessons from this accident remind everyone of the shared responsibility for road safety.