Video of medevac helicopter landing at the scene by Outpost reader Jonathan Beck.

UPDATE, 9:01 p.m.: CHP has released more information on today’s accident.

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UPDATE, 4:35 p.m.: Traffic is being diverted onto Avenue of the Giants. A coroner has been called to scene.

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UPDATE, 4:05 p.m.: CHP dispatch now classifies this crash as a fatality.

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UPDATE, 3:59 p.m.:

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UPDATE, 3:38 p.m.: They’re shutting the highway down right now.

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UPDATE 3:44 p.m.: Multiple patients need to be extracted from their vehicles, according to scanner traffic. A helicopter is en route to transport patients; it will land on the highway, which the CHP will have to shut down.

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A first responder at the scene of a four-car crash that occurred near the Pepperwood exit is describing a chaotic scene: Five people wounded, two of them seriously, and all but one southbound lane of Highway 101 completely closed. At least two people need to be extricated from their vehicles, he said.

The CHP and numerous local rescue agencies are en route. Air ambulance services have been put on alert.

We’ll update when we know more. Follow updates from CHP dispatch below.