Medical Incident Caused Crash and Serious Injuries on Samoa Bridge Yesterday

Photo submitted by a reader

On 03-05-2019, just before 6 p.m., CHP responded to a multiple vehicle traffic collision on the western span of the Samoa Bridges.  Upon arrival CHP learned that a Chevrolet pickup had traveling east toward Eureka when a Toyota Tacoma traveling west swerved into his lane. The Chevy’s driver was able to avoid a direct collision with the Tacoma, but hit the camper shell that flew off the Tacoma as it swerved.

A Volkswagen Beetle traveling eastbound directly behind the Chevrolet pickup collided head-on with the Tacoma.

Ms. Preitas was driving the Bug. She received major injuries as a result of this collision and was transported to St. Joseph Hospital.

Peter Lusa and his passenger, 12 year old Jaxon Lusa, were in the Tacoma that initiated the accident. They both received minor injuries. Although Peter Lusa was placed under arrest for suspicion of impaired driving while he was at the hospital, it was determined that Mr. Lusa may have suffered from a medical condition prior to the collision. Mr. Lusa was released from custody.

Alcohol and/or drugs are not considered a factor in this collision.

The California Highway Patrol Humboldt Area is continuing its investigation into this collision and is asking anyone with additional information to contact the Humboldt Area CHP Office at 707-822-5981 or to send an email to [email protected].

This synopsis was written exclusively from the police report below.

Earlier Chapter: Traffic Accident Closes Samoa Bridge