Passenger Left Trapped After Early Morning Rollover on Highway 101 Near Arcata

A single-vehicle rollover on Highway 101 northbound at the Highway 299 interchange left at least one person hospitalized with major injuries early Sunday morning, according to California Highway Patrol dispatch logs and scanner traffic.

The crash was reported around 2:30 a.m. The vehicle — described by scanner traffic as a red SUV — rolled over and came to rest on the right shoulder. A reporting party associated with the vehicle was attempting to flag down help when a second caller reported the occupant was still trapped inside.

According to the witness, the driver spoke briefly with someone in a white van before leaving the scene. It is unclear whether the driver left to seek help or medical attention. The passenger remained trapped in the vehicle according to the witness account.

Arcata Fire, Blue Lake Fire, and Arcata Ambulance, CHP, Arcata Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, and Caltrans were also contacted to respond. Approximately 30 feet of guardrail damage was reported.

CHP logs noted that EPD had conducted a traffic stop on what may be the involved vehicle the previous evening at approximately 10:45 p.m. near Highway 101 and Herrick Avenue.

One occupant was treated at St. Joseph Hospital, where they were reported in stable condition with a major scalp laceration. The CHP cad noted that the extent of injuries of the other occupant was unknown.

Caltrans arrived on scene and the roadway was fully reopened by approximately 5:45 a.m. The vehicle was towed by Buddy’s Towing. The incident was upgraded to a major injury traffic collision at approximately 7:11 a.m.

Redheaded Blackbelt has reached out to the California Highway Patrol for additional information. The CHP office is closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. This story will be updated as information becomes available.

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

Update: Driver Arrested for DUI, Hit and Run After Highway 101 Rollover Left Passenger Trapped