One woman died and two men were injured (one critically) when two cars crashed near Big Bear on Wednesday morning at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Highway 18.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) released a statement saying that a 31-year-old man from Elk Grove was driving a white 2004 Honda Civic, and travelling north on Highway 18 at an undetermined speed. Scott Anderson, an 80-year-old man from Big Bear Lake, was driving a silver 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe south at around 40 mph.
The CHP said that for reasons still under investigation the Honda Civic crossed the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic and into the path of the Tahoe.
A 22-year-old La Habra woman was in the front, passenger-side seat of the Honda, and was killed in the crash. The male driver of the Honda was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to Bear Valley Community Hospital. From there, he was airlifted to a trauma center. Initially, a LifeFlight helicopter was summoned to land at the scene however high winds prevented a safe landing. The Big Bear Lake man had minor injuries and wasn’t transported by medical personnel on scene.
Conditions on the highway were light traffic at the time of the accident. Officials at the scene along with bystanders confirmed that there was ice on the roadways. CalTrans had spread cinders on the highway to improve traction.
The CHP said alcohol and/or drugs are not believed to be a factor in the crash.
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