Fatal big rig collision closes Calif. highway during busy holiday drive

"A fatal collision has shut down a California highway during one of the busiest days for drivers on the road. On Wednesday, around 10:55 a.m., the California Highway Patrol was dispatched to Highway 20 between Penn Valley and Grass Valley, where two semitrucks crashed in a head-on collision, CHP Officer Sean Armacher told SFGATE. Following the major crash, a Toyota Tacoma also crashed into the trucks."

"The drivers of both big rigs were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center in Roseville to be treated for minor injuries. The CHP is still investigating what caused the collision. The CHP and Caltrans have closed both sides of the three-lane route between Highway 49 and Rough and Ready Highway, Caltrans spokesperson John O'Connell told SFGATE. The estimated time of reopening is between four and six hours."

A fatal head-on collision occurred around 10:55 a.m. on Highway 20 between Penn Valley and Grass Valley when two semitrucks collided. A Toyota Tacoma later struck the wreckage. Drivers of both semitrucks were pronounced dead at the scene. The Tacoma driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. Caltrans and the CHP closed both directions of the three-lane route between Highway 49 and Rough and Ready Highway, with reopening estimated in four to six hours. Alternate country roads are available for detours. AAA estimates 9.6 million drivers will travel during the Thanksgiving period, with Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons predicted as the busiest.

Read at SFGATE