Three-car crash near Sierra sends two to hospital

The California Highway Patrol released their report today of the July 29 three-car collision on US50 east of Sierra at Tahoe Road that sent one to Renown on Care Flight and another to Barton, both with multiple injuries.

Their investigation shows that at about 12:30 p.m., Mary O'Neill, 55, from San Martin, Calif. was driving her Toyota Sienna westbound on US50 at 75 mph when she used the two-way left turn lane to pass another vehicle. As she returned to the westbound lane her car traveled onto the shoulder. O'Neill then abruptly turned the vehicle to the left and traveled into the eastbound lane, according to CHP.

Traveling east at the time were Elaine Kobus, 57, and Michael Kobus, 56, of Camino, Calif. O'Neill's car hit the left side of their Toyota Land Cruiser. Debris from the collision was propelled forward and collided with a Mazda driven by Nicholas Krohn, 29, of Van Nuys, Calif. He was headed eastbound and behind the Kobus car.

After the collision the Sienna continued southwesterly and came to a rest on it's wheels on the southern shoulder of Highway 50. The Land Cruiser continued southeasterly and landed on it's wheels also on the southern shoulder. Krohn was able to drive his car onto the shoulder and park.

Elaine Kobus was taken to Renown Hospital in Reno via Care Flight with a fractured pelvis and ribs. Maru O'Neill was transported to Barton Hospital with a fractured wrist and clavicle, and multiple abrasions.

Michael Kobus complained of pain to his knee and ribs and Krohn was uninjured.

All three drivers and passenger were wearing their seat belts.