PREVIOUSLY:

• Major Accident on Highway 101 North of Willits, Both Lanes Closed

###

From the California Highway Patrol:

On September 29, 2018, at approximately 1338 hours, a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 pick-up, with two female occupants, was being driven northbound on US-101, near Reynolds Highway, north of Willits, CA. at an unknown rate of speed. Robert Maffia, of Ukiah, CA., was driving his 1997 Peterbilt tractor/trailer combination, southbound on US-101, near Reynolds Highway, at approximately 55 MPH.

For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Dodge lost control of her vehicle and it crossed into the southbound lanes, directly into the path of the Peterbilt. Mr. Maffia took evasive actions; however, despite his efforts, the Peterbilt collided with the driver’s side of the Dodge. The Dodge spun out of the roadway and came to rest on the west shoulder of US-101. The Peterbilt came to rest in the northbound lanes of US-101. The load of lumber being hauled by the Peterbilt, spilled off the trailer and into the roadway, blocking both directions of traffic on US-101.

The driver and passenger of the Dodge were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their names are currently being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this collision.

Mr. Maffia was treated at the scene for minor injuries. He was determined not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Due to the recovery of the vehicles, scene clean up, and the collision investigation, the northbound and southbound lanes of US-101 were closed for approximately two-hours. One-way traffic control was then established for continued collision scene investigation and clean up efforts.

The California Highway Patrol Garberville Area is investigating this collision.