A stretch of the northbound Highway 101 between Emma Wood State Beach and the Seacliff community in Ventura County was closed for several hours yesterday evening following a fatal collision that left one driver dead and three hospitalized, including a CHP officer. According to a CHP press release, the officer had stopped the driver of a Nissan SUV when a Ford pickup with two occupants careened into the shoulder and collided with the Nissan, sending the CHP officer flying to the side of the road. Both vehicles burst into flames, killing the driver of the Nissan and leaving most of the lanes blocked with wreckage. Caltrans diverted all traffic while rescue crews cleared the debris and treated the wounded.
The identities of those involved in the collision have yet to be released. The CHP officer was airlifted to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment where he is currently listed as better than critical and stable.” The occupants of the Ford survived with minor injuries after being taken by ambulance to Community Memorial Hospital.