GRASS VALLEY, Calif. — Four Port Angeles residents — including two toddlers — were injured when their van hit a tree Wednesday on state Highway 49 in Grass Valley in Northern California.
The driver, Benjamin Spaulding, 33, said he lost control of the Ford Aerostar van’s steering while driving northbound on the highway, which caused him to drive off the road and hit the tree at about 5:10 p.m. Wednesday, the California Highway Patrol said.
Injuries
Passenger Gina Trenalone, 29, was airlifted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center in Roseville, Calif., California Highway Patrol Officer Jeff Pingee said.
Her cut to the head was treated, and she was discharged, he added.
Spaulding was treated for pain in his left ankle, and was discharged, from Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital in Grass Valley, Calif., Pingee said.
A 1-year old child received a fractured skull and 4-year-old child had a broken right leg from the wreck.
They were taken to Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital and later transferred to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, Calif. Wednesday.
California Highway Patrol doesn’t release the names of juveniles, and public relations staff at UC Davis Medical Center declined to provide information on the children’s status.
Pingee said there is no evidence to indicate drugs or alcohol were involved.
Spaulding was obeying the 55 mph speed limit, and no charges are expected, he added.
The North San Juan Fire Department also assisted the injured at the wreck.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or tom. callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
