[Update: 12:11 a.m.: Road Open] Highway 299 Closed for the Second Time Today Due to Another Head-On Collision

Thursday, 18 August 2022, 7:14 pm Lisa Music 6 comments

According to the CHP Traffic Incident Page, there has been a second head-on traffic collision on Highway 299 involving a big rig.

Earlier today, a fatal accident occurred shutting the Highway down for hours.

This evening at 6:33 p.m. a second accident was reported near Buckhorn Summit on Highway 299 between a big rig and a small sedan. According to the CHP log, witnesses reported the sedan had been traveling at a high rate of speed.

The big rig carrying water became fully engulfed in flames after the traffic collision. The driver of the big rig is reported to be outside of the vehicle.

Scanner traffic indicates two medical helicopters are en route to the site of the accident for two patients, one of which is reported to be critical and in need of extrication.

Fire personnel are responding to the incident, which is now called the Buck Incident, to handle the fire that has spread to nearby vegetation.

At 6:42 p.m. the CHP log states that an additional traffic collision has occurred at the scene, likely hitting the original accident. No injuries are reported from that subsequent collision.

The Caltrans Quickmap states, “State Route 299 is closed at Buckhorn Summit (Shasta CO) due to an accident a detour is not available motorists are advised to use an alternate route.”

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.

Update 7:17 p.m.: One air transport has been cancelled; the patient has been pronounced deceased at the scene. The coroner has been requested.

Update 7:33 p.m.: The vegetation fire is less than 1/4 of an acre with a slow rate of spread, according to scanner traffic. Cal Fire air support is remaining in the area in case they are needed.

Update 8:14 p.m.: Resources are being released from the vegetation fire started from the traffic collision which is a good sign. Caltrans QuickMaps states that at this time, there is no estimation of when Highway 299 with be reopened. We will update with that information when it becomes available.

UPDATE 8:57 p.m.: Caltrans reports, “WB 299 is closed at Rock Creek Rd in Old Shasta, EB 299 is closed at Buckhorn Summit. Due to 2-vehicle head-on collision with vehicle fire.”

UPDATE 12:11 a.m.: Roadway open.