[UPDATE 1:51 p.m.] Driver Receives Major Injuries When Van Plows Into Broken Down Truck on Hwy 101 North of Willits

After the van struck it, the pickup overturned and debris was flung across the roadway. [Both photos provided by a Mendocino County resident]

The driver of the truck was standing nearby when the collision occurred which threw the disabled vehicle forward striking its driver and causing major injuries.

California Highway Patrol Office Jonathan Clevenger wrote in an email the collision occurred around 10:40 p.m. between Willits and Laytonville south of Highway 101's intersection with Underpass Road.

A Chevrolet truck was traveling northbound when it became disabled in the #2 lane. The driver and passenger exited the vehicle and while standing nearby, a Ford Transit van traveling in the same lane crashed into the disabled truck. Officer Clevenger wrote, "The force of the impact moved the Chevy forward where it struck the person who was previously driving the Chevy."

The Ford Transit van had a crumpled front end and other damage after the crash.

The collision caused the truck to overturn, caused major damage to the van, and covered Highway 101 with disabled vehicles and debris blocking all four lanes. The aftermath required a temporary closure while crews cleaned up the scene.

The truck's driver suffered major injuries while the van's driver had minor injuries. Both were taken to a local hospital for care.

Officer Clevenger said, "This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol -Garberville Area." Call (707) 932-6100 to share any information about the collision.

UPDATE 1:51 p.m.: California Patrol Officer Jonathan Clevenger asked us to clarify that there are no outstanding subjects from the collision or criminal charges being sought. After our article went live his office received several calls from the public offering information about the vehicles involved that had no bearing or consequence on CHP's internal investigation.

Earlier: Crash Blocks All Four Lanes of Hwy 101 Between Willits and Laytonville