A serious traffic collision occurred early this morning on State Route 116 near Hessel Road in Sebastopol, CA, involving one vehicle, a blue Fiat. The incident took place around 2:39 AM, resulting in the vehicle catching fire after the collision.
The driver sustained a head injury and remained inside the vehicle when emergency services arrived. The Fiat was fully engulfed in flames, which quickly spread to the surrounding grass, raising concerns due to the proximity of power lines. Emergency responders arrived on the scene at 2:42 AM and promptly began to manage the situation.
Debris from the collision was reported in the lanes, causing significant traffic disruptions on State Route 116. The fire posed a serious threat as it was located under a large oak tree near power lines, prompting immediate notification to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) regarding potential damage to their infrastructure. PG&E's response was estimated to take about 40 minutes.
By 2:57 AM, the fire had blocked both directions of State Route 116, creating a hazardous environment for motorists. Emergency personnel worked diligently to extinguish the flames and clear the area. The blue Fiat was ultimately deemed undrivable and was likely towed from the scene once it was safe to do so.
Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported beyond the driver's head injury. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, including reports that the vehicle was speeding prior to the incident.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling on State Route 116 and to stay updated on traffic conditions as cleanup efforts continue. The CHP urges drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to speed limits to ensure safety on the roads.