CHP Report for the week of 10/23/19
The following incidents are submitted by the Quincy Area California Highway Patrol as a tentative summary pending the conclusion of the investigation(s).
Major injury accident, Oct. 11
At approximately 7:05 p.m., Michael Nichols, 64, of Clear Creek, was working on the engine of a 1971 Chevrolet El Camino.
The Chevrolet was parked on the southbound shoulder of Spring Creek Drive, south of Circle Drive in Clear Creek. Nichols was standing in front of the Chevrolet with the hood open when he pressed a remote ignition switch and the engine started. The Chevrolet was in drive gear and began rolling forward when the engine started.
Nichols was pushed backward and became pinned under the Chevrolet. The Chevrolet continued forward, rolled across both lanes of Spring Creek Drive, exited the roadway and collided with a cedar split-rail fence. The Chevrolet became high-centered on the fence and stopped.
Nichols was trapped under the front end of the Chevrolet, under the front passenger tire. He was able to yell for help and neighbors came and lifted the Chevrolet off Nichols.
Nichols was airlifted to Enloe Medical Center in Chico for major injuries.
Vehicle fire, Oct. 18
At approximately 2:25 p.m., Brian Looney, 48, of Greenville, was working for Clear Creek Reload LLC, of Chester. Looney was driving a 2010 International eastbound on Highway 36, east of Westwood.
Looney was pulling a loaded possum-belly chip trailer. The driver stopped on the eastbound shoulder near the 101 Ranch due to symptoms of overheating. For unknown reasons, a fire ignited near the engine compartment.
Looney escaped and the International became fully engulfed. Firefighters arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. The trailer was not damaged and no injuries were reported.