The Susanville Police Department has released details of yesterday afternoon’s vehicle collision on Highway 36 just east of Riverside Drive.
Officers arrived on-scene to find two vehicles, on the bridge over the Susan River, that had been involved in a head-on collision.
According to Police Chief Tom Downing the initial investigation revealed that 36 year-old Susanville resident Brandon Micone was traveling eastbound on Highway 36 when the 2000 Dodge Durango he was driving drifted over the double yellow center line and collided with a 2010 Dodge Avenger that was traveling westbound into the city.
The Avenger was driven by 27 year-old Westwood resident Melinda Duerksen.
Both vehicles sustained major damage and Micone had to be extricated from the vehicle by fire personnel. He was transported to Banner Lassen Medical Center via SEMSA ambulance for a complaint of possible internal injuries.
Duerksen complained of a possible left ankle fracture and was transported to Banner Lassen Medical Center as well.
Duerksen was traveling with her two young children, ages 5 and 7, who received facial injuries. They were transported with their mother to the hospital for evaluation.
Highway 36 was closed for approximately 90 minutes while the scene was investigated and the roadway cleaned up. The police department was assisted by the California Highway Patrol, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, Cal-Trans and the Susanville Fire Department.
The collision is still under investigation by the Susanville Police Department and the cause of the collision has not yet been determined.
The police department, according to the report, is investigating whether prescription medications were a contributing factor in the collision.
