Traffic Collision North of Laytonville Leaves One Dead; Highway 101 Blocked

At approximately 2:39 p.m. today, emergency personnel responded to a fatal traffic collision on Highway 101 just north of Laytonville near Bowmans Place. One person was confirmed deceased at the scene, and the coroner was called to respond.

The initial report came from a third party using a cell phone to report the incident on someone else’s behalf. The caller stated there was no entrapment, but injuries were involved.

According to scanner traffic, Highway 101 was blocked following the crash. A rope hoist was deployed for a vehicle that had gone over the side of the road. Two air ambulances and additional units from Leggett were initially requested; however, both air ambulances—and all but one engine—were canceled after the fatality was confirmed. The driver of the second vehicle sustained only minor injuries and was transported by ground ambulance.

The California Highway Patrol requested that Caltrans implement one-way traffic control, but Caltrans personnel were reportedly delayed due to congestion in the area. This section of Highway 101 consists primarily of two-lane roadways with intermittent passing lanes, making access difficult during emergencies.

Please note that information gathered from initial reports is subject to change as more facts become available. We will provide updates as they come in.

Map added for location clarification:

Screenshot of Postmile Services map