UPDATE 8:03 p.m.: Two Rivers Tribune posted some photos of the rescue. Go here to view them.
UPDATE 6:17 p.m.: California Highway Patrol press release:
On January 3, 2015, at approximately 2:14 PM, the California Highway Patrol was notified of an injury traffic collision on SR-96, three miles north of Willow Creek. For reasons still under investigation, the driver, 24 year old, Aaron Martin failed to maintain control of his vehicle and ran off the road. The vehicle traversed approximately 200 feet down the embankment where it came to rest alongside the Trinity River. Three of the occupants had sustained minor injuries but were able to exit the vehicle, however Martin remained trapped inside. Emergency personnel responded and extricated Martin from the vehicle. Martin sustained minor injuries as a result of this collision.
CHP helicopter (H14) responded from Redding and transported Martin across the river to an awaiting Reach Air Ambulance which then transported Martin to Mercy Medical Center, located in Redding, CA. DUI was not a factor in this collision.
If anyone has information regarding this collision, please contact the California Highway Patrol at (707) 268-2000.
The California Highway Patrol - Humboldt Area responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation. Personnel from the California Department of Transportation, Department of Fish and Game, Hoopa Volunteer Fire Department, Salyer Volunteer Fire Department, Willow Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Reach Air Ambulance and Hoopa Ambulance also responded to the scene.
UPDATE 4:57 p.m.: Dispatch is now stating that the roadway is clear.
UPDATE 4:07 p.m.: According to the scanner, two more patients are being brought up and one is walking out.
UPDATE 3:47 p.m.: Scanner indicates that the first patient is being transported by Reach helicopter.
UPDATE 2:57 p.m.: While the driver is still trapped in the vehicle, dispatch states, the “other three occupants [are] out of vehicle. [They] just need to be hoisted to [roadway.]”
UPDATE 2:55 p.m.: Dispatch states that the driver is still stuck in vehicle. Injuries are unknown.
UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Dispatch indicates that Air Ops may be used to ‘hoist rescue” the driver.
Emergency crews prepare to help. Skid marks streak the road ahead of them. [Photo by Jessie Von Mixon.]
UPDATE 2:45 p.m.: Scanner traffic indicates one way traffic control has been started because rescue vehicles are occupying the northbound lane.
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Original post:
According to CHP dispatch and an eyewitness report, a vehicle has gone into the river two to three miles north of Willow Creek. Jaws of Life have been requested for the driver of the vehicle. Air ambulance has been requested.
Information is still coming in and we will update as soon as possible.