Van Driver Suffers Major Injuries In Collision With Big-Rig

A man suffered major injuries when his van collided with a big-rig on River Road west of Santa Rosa late this morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

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The 51-year-old driver was traveling west at approximately 50 mph around 11 a.m. when his Chevrolet Astro van drifted into the eastbound lane into the path of a big-rig hauling 22 tons of dirt and rock, CHP officials said.

The big-rig driver, Marvin Augustine, 69, of Penngrove, swerved but could not avoid the van and the collision sheared off the front and driver’s side of the van, according to the CHP.

The big-rig and its two trailers overturned and spilled the rocks and dirt onto the roadway, blocking the eastbound lane.

CHP officers found the Chevrolet Astro driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, in the rear of his van.

He was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and CHP officials did not immediately know if his injuries are considered life-threatening. Impairment and distraction have not been ruled out as the cause of the collision, according to the CHP.

The crash closed River Road in both directions between Laughlin and Olivet roads and there was no estimate as of 1 p.m. for when the road will reopen, CHP officials said.

--Bay City News

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