A collision involving a truck tractor-trailer and a passenger van on the Willits Bypass section of Highway 101 early this morning resulted in one person sustaining major life-threatening injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officer Olegario Marin of CHP’s Ukiah Office told us the incident occurred at approximately 1:38 a.m. near MPM44 prompting a response from both California Highway Patrol’s Garberville Laytonville Resident Post and Ukiah Area Office.
Reports indicate that the van, identified as an Econo-type passenger vehicle, was stationary in the traffic lane without any illuminated lights when it was struck by a loaded truck and trailer. The truck’s driver, Geovanny Larreynaga from Carmichael, California, emerged uninjured from the collision.
However, the sole occupant of the van, identified as Grant Gosch from Cottonwood, California, sustained major life-threatening injuries. Gosch was promptly airlifted to Chico’s Enloe Hospital for medical treatment.
In the aftermath of the crash, Highway 101 remained open with one-way traffic control measures in place to facilitate vehicle recovery and scene cleanup.
As of 8:17 a.m., one-way traffic controls were still in place. The Caltrans QuickMap estimates that the roadway will be fully reopened by 11:01 a.m.
Update: The Ukiah CHP states that one-way-traffic in in place as vehicle recovery and cleanup takes place this morning at the scene of the collision. They ask that motorists use extra caution as emergency personnel are in the area.