Driver Injured In Crash With Semi-Truck Near Marin-Sonoma Line

MARIN COUNTY, CA – The driver of a sedan suffered major injuries in a crash with a semi-truck Tuesday afternoon in the North Bay, authorities said.

The two-vehicle collision happened around 2:15 p.m. on eastbound state Highway 37, just west of state Highway 121 near the Marin-Sonoma county line, according to the California Highway Patrol's Marin office.

The driver of the Toyota Matrix was trapped inside the car. The sedan's entire engine compartment and a large portion of the driver's side of the vehicle was stuck under the lift gate of the truck, according to the CHP.

First responders from the CHP, Novato Fire Protection District, Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department, and Shell-Vista Fire Protection District responded to the scene. A VeriHealth private ambulance crew was in the area when the crash occurred and also stopped to provide assistance, according to the CHP.

"Extricating the victim from the vehicle proved to be extremely difficult and fire crews worked valiantly to provide lifesaving care to the driver," CHP officials said on Facebook. "Ultimately, crews were forced to utilize the Jaws of Life to remove large portions of the vehicle to access the driver. Once in the vehicle, tow trucks had to temporarily pull the vehicles apart so medics could get the victim out of the driver seat."

Firefighters eventually extricated the driver. A medical helicopter transported him to Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, according to the CHP. The man suffered major injuries, including a leg fracture and facial lacerations.

The driver of the semi-truck was uninjured in the crash.

Authorities initially closed SR-37 in both directions. All lanes were reopened around 4:05 p.m., according to the CHP.

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Image credit CHP Marin