Collision near Blairsden today sends two men to the hospital

A two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highways 70 and 89 near Blairsden sent two men to the hospital this afternoon, Dec. 17.

According to the California Highway Patrol, just before 2 p.m. today,  Joseph Edward Laurie, 57, of Beckwourth, was stopped in the northbound lane of SR-89 at the intersection with SR-70 in a 1999 green Jeep Cherokee.

Dwayne Elliot Norton, 51, of Portola, was driving eastbound on SR-70 approaching SR-89 in a 2004 black Honda Pilot.  Laurie observed another vehicle traveling eastbound ahead of the Honda Pilot slowing to turn right onto southbound SR-89.  Laurie did not see Norton approaching in the Honda Pilot behind the first vehicle and began to drive forward into the intersection to make a left turn onto westbound SR-70 directly in front of the Honda Pilot.

Norton did not have any time to slow or take evasive action and crashed into the left side of the Jeep Cherokee in the eastbound lane of SR-70 within the intersection of SR-89.  All parties were transported from the scene to Renown Medical Center.  Norton was transported by ground ambulance, and Laurie was transported by air ambulance.