Two Indiana residents were killed Tuesday afternoon, and a Chester man arrested, after a frightening multi-vehicle collision that occurred on Highway 395 near Janesville Grade, closing the highway for several hours as emergency responders worked frantically to help the injured and clear the roadway.
Shortly before 1:30p.m., according to a report released today by the Susanville California Highway Patrol office, the driver of a black 2015 GMC Sierra Pickup, identified as 67-year old Chester resident Douglas Hansken, was traveling northbound on US-395 at an undetermined rate of speed.
A silver Chevrolet Cruze, occupied by four, was traveling southbound in the opposite lane, followed by a white 2017 Hyundai Elantra, with five occupants, and a silver Ford Escape, with four occupants.
Hansken’s pickup swerved across the solid double yellow lines, into the southbound lane, side-swiping the Chevrolet before striking the Hyundai head on.
Following that impact, the pickup rotated onto its side, where it subsequently struck the Ford Escape.
As a result of the collision all lanes of 395 were closed near the scene and traffic was re-routed for several hours.
According to CHP Public Information Officer Kristin Wilburn, an Indiana man who was a passenger in the Hyundai was pronounced dead at the scene.
All other occupants were transported by medical personnel to hospitals for treatment of their injuries. A second passenger in the Hyundai was pronounced dead at Renown Medical Center.
The names of the deceased and additional injured parties are not being released at this time, pending family notification.
“Hansken was arrested at the scene for driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter,” explained Wilburn. “Due to the extent of his injuries and the necessity for further medical treatment, Hansken was flown by air ambulance to Renown Medical Center in Reno.”
This collision is currently under investigation and the CHP is asking that anyone who witnessed the incident to please contact the Susanville CHP at (530) 252-1800.
CHP thanked the following agencies for their assistance; Lassen County Sheriff’s Office; Susanville Police Department; Milford Fire Department; Janesville Fire Department; CDCR/HDSP Fire; Cal-Fire; SEMSA as well as the concerned citizens who stopped to provide assistance at the scene of the accident.
Comments are closed.