Fatal Head-On Collision Claims Two Lives on Bass Hill; Unsafe Passing Leads to Tragedy

Update:

Susanville CHP has confirmed the collision near Sunnyside Rd. on US395 resulted in the loss of two lives. The identities of the individuals involved are being withheld pending family notification.

The collision occurred when a 73-year-old man from Susanville was observed driving in his white 2003 Infinity at a high rate of speed back into town. He attempted an unsafe pass around several cars about half a mile from Sunnyside Rd. CHP officers say “insufficient room” forced him to drive his vehicle into the opposing lane.

In the opposing lane, a Mazda was being driven by a 60-year-old woman from Mesa, AZ, with a 78-year-old male passenger, also from Mesa, AZ, in the vehicle. The Susanville man’s car abruptly swerved in their direction; the AZ woman saw the oncoming vehicle and attempted to get out of the way by veering off into the shoulder of the highway.

Yet, despite her efforts, a collision was inevitable. The Susanville man also attempted to avoid crashing by swerving, and both vehicles ultimately collided head-on.

The Susanville man driving the white Infinity sustained fatal injuries in the collision, as did the passenger seated in the front right of the Mazda. The female driver of the Mazda was airlifted to Renown Medical Center in Reno due to the severity of her injuries.

This particular stretch of highway remains a major concern to locals, and this incident serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of unsafe driving.

A head-on traffic collision on Bass Hill just after 5 pm yesterday has resulted in at least one casualty.

Initial reports from Susanville California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicate that the driver of a white vehicle was passing others along US395 near Bass Hill Rd. in an unsafe manner resulting in a head-on collision with another car in the opposing lane. The incident caused the highway to be closed while a helicopter was brought in to transport the victims.

The identity of those involved has not been disclosed. Additional details surrounding the circumstances of the collision will be provided as they become available.