SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Three people, including one 10-year-old, were transported to Barton Hospital on Friday after being injured in an incident on US50 near Slippery Ford, east of Twin Bridges.
At approximately 10 a.m., a 54-year-old man from San Francisco was outside of his parked Nissan Rogue, kneeling near the left rear tire and adjusting his snow chains. He was on the south shoulder on the big bend.
At the same time, an 18-year-old from El Dorado Hills was driving eastbound in his Subaru Impreza, traveling at a speed of 45-55 mph. Since chain controls were up, the maximum speed for all vehicles is 25 mph. The driver lost control in the sweeping left-hand curve, striking the Nissan and the man adjusting the chains who went up into the air, landing on his back. The force of the collision sent the Nissan into the guardrail.
Two of the occupants in the Nissan, ages 10 and 39, were transported with minor injuries, and the driver who had been struck was transported with major injuries. There was also a 6- and 2-year-old in the Nissan and they were not injured.
The two 18-year-olds and one 17-year-old in the Subaru were not injured.
Alcohol or drugs were not a factor, according to the California Highway Patrol. Everyone stayed on the scene until first responders arrived. Both cars were totalled.
No other information is available at this time.