Two seriously injured in SR-88 collision near Red Lake

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two people in their 80s had to be airlifted to Renown Hospital in Reno after the vehicle they were hit was struck by a tractor-trailer on February 4, 2020.

At 2:15 p.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the area of the collision which was on SR-88 east of Red Lake Road. From their preliminary investigation, a tractor-trailer driven by 40-year-old Juan C. Hernandez of Vacaville, California was driving eastbound at the same time a Honda CRV with driver George Schultz, 81, and his passenger Patricia Schultz, 80, were headed west.

As Hernandez steered his big rig around a corner he allowed enough of the truck to cross over the yellow line into the path of the Schultz's. The left front of the Honda struck the left front of the truck.

Mr. Schultz was transported to the hospital via Careflight and Ms. Schultz was transported via Cal-Star. At this time their condition is unknown. CHP said their driver's licenses said they were from South Lake Tahoe and Oakdale, Calif. Their relationship is curently unknown.

Hernandez was not injured.

As a result of the crash, diesel fuel leaked onto the highway and Hazmat crews were called to the scene.

CHP said the collision is still under investigation. They do not believe alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash.