Single vehicle rollover in the tri-valley area

To:      All Media Partners

From:  Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer

Date:   February 28, 2014

RE:      Single vehicle rollover in the tri-valley area

On Thursday, February 27, 2014, at approximately 1:45 pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call regarding a possible single vehicle traffic accident near Jeffrey Canyon in the tri-valley area.

Mono County Sheriff’s deputies, with the assistance of Mono County Paramedics, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the California Department of Forestry (CDF), White Mountain Fire Department, Chalfant Valley Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue (SAR) Team, responded to a single vehicle that had rolled over the side of the roadway leading up to the Champion Spark Plug Mine. This area is a steep dirt road with switchbacks, rock outcroppings, and a few sloping sections where vehicles lean toward the edge. The single vehicle, containing the driver and one passenger, had just entered a steep section of the road when the driver lost control and drove over the edge. The vehicle rolled several times down the cliff, coming to rest on some large rocks.

All responding agencies were able to access the vehicle where both the driver and the passenger were given medical assessments and treatment. One of the victims was placed on a backboard and transported down the rough terrain in the rear of a USFS truck attended to by EMT’s. The other victim was transported safely by other responding personnel. Both the driver and the passenger, once safely off the mountainside, were transported by Mono County Paramedics to Northern Inyo Hospital in Bishop for further treatment. The heavily damaged vehicle was left in place for future recovery.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone recreating throughout Mono County to always know your surroundings and the terrain, travel at safe speeds, and keep in mind the possibility of changing weather conditions. Always think safety first as you enjoy your outdoor activities!