Crash on Hwy 299 Temporarily Closed the Road, Three Children Involved

Emergency crews respond to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 299 west of Willow Creek on Monday evening. A vehicle lies overturned off the shoulder as responders assess the situation. [Photo from a passerby]

A multi-vehicle collision just after 6 p.m. on Monday evening temporarily shut down State Route 299 west of Willow Creek. As many as five people including at least three children (ages ranging from 3 to 10) were involved, according to reports over the scanner.

The crash occurred around mile marker 36 and involved a Caltrans vehicle and at least one other car. Initial reports from the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information Page indicate the crash may have involved up to three vehicles—one identified as a Caltrans unit. At least one person required extrication from a vehicle in initial reports.

One of the vehicles involved in Monday’s crash on Highway 299 rests overturned on the guardrail near mile marker 36. [Photo from a passerby]

Arcata Ambulance, Salyer Fire Department, Hoopa Ambulance, and Willow Creek Fire Department and others were all dispatched to assist with the rescue effort and provide medical aid.

Caltrans District 1 spokesperson, Manny Machado, responded to questions via email stating, “I can confirm a Caltrans vehicle was involved in a traffic collision with another vehicle just after 6 this evening on Route 299 west of Willow Creek,” the spokesperson said. “The cause of the crash is under investigation by the CHP. The section of roadway is currently open to one-way controlled traffic. I have no information on injuries at this time.”

The extent of the patients injuries have not been released.

Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available.

Thanks to Emily Scoles for her assistance.

Updates: 

• ‘Please Send Everybody’: Local Family Aids Crash Victims on Hwy 299
• Can You Help?: Family of Six Struggles After Highway 299 Crash Leaves Dad in ICU, Daughter Airlifted