UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A collision near Blue Lakes on Saturday afternoon resulted in two people being flown out of county to a trauma center and a third going to a local hospital.
The crash took place on Highway 20 west of Irvine Avenue at 1:55 p.m., according to a report from the California Highway Patrol.
The report said that 25-year-old Frederico P. Ramirez of Lower Lake was driving a 1996 Ford Taurus westbound on Highway 20, with 47-year-old Maria Ramirez-Sepulveda of Clearlake riding as his passenger.
Driving eastbound on Highway 20 in a 2009 Honda Fit was Margaret F. Ward, 90, of Clearlake, the CHP said.
Ward's vehicle went into the opposing lane as she was traveling through a moderate curve. The CHP said she traveled into Ramirez's path. Ramirez attempted to stop but could not avoid the collision.
The CHP said the front of Ward's Honda hit the left side and front of the Ford, causing major damage to both vehicles.
Highway 20 was closed for approximately 30 minutes for emergency personnel on scene who were evaluating injuries, the report stated.
An air ambulance transported Ward to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital where where she was treated for moderate injuries and further evaluated by hospital personnel. The CHP said she had numerous lacerations on her head and arms.
Ramirez-Sepulveda, who lost consciousness as a result of the crash, also was transported via air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with major injuries, including a suspected head injury.
A Northshore Fire ambulance took Frederico Ramirez to Sutter Lakeside Hospital. The CHP said he had minor injuries, including lacerations to his head and arms.
The CHP said Ramirez-Sepulveda was not wearing her seatbelt, but both Ward and Frederico Ramirez were using their safety equipment.
CHP Officer Steve Curtis is investigating the collision.