Multi-vehicle crash shuts down southbound I-5

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

Just as the Orland High School Homecoming Parade was about to get underway, a call went out to the Artois Fire Department regarding a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 5.

Artois volunteers were dispatched at 3:20 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15, to what was initially described as a single-vehicle accident on the southbound side of I-5, north of County Road 33.

Seven minutes later, the collision was described as involving a “semi and multiple vehicles”.

The Orland Volunteer Fire Department was then called to provide mutual aid, and the FlightCare helicopter was contacted.

At 3:29 p.m., it was reported that both southbound lanes were blocked.

Traffic on the southbound I-5 had to be stopped so that one accident victim could be extricated from a vehicle.

The southbound side of I-5 began backing up, eventually reaching all the way north to County Road 27 and beyond.

Glenn County Sheriff’s deputies began diverting southbound drivers at the Road 27 onramp.

Reporters and tow truck drivers had trouble reaching the accident scene.

One tow truck driver reported being stuck at County Road 27.

An inquiry was made whether the tow truck should drive up the southbound side of I-5 from Road 33.

According to the CHP’s traffic incident webpage, there were at least three separate collisions at this accident scene.

However, it should be noted that this webpage should not be trusted unconditionally, as it usually includes unverified information.

Not long after the accident, a report was received of a man who was outside of his car and was bleeding.

Over the police scanner, it was heard that one victim may be suffering from internal injuries.

The traffic incident web page stated that the semi remained on its wheels following the accident.

It also said that a Toyota Sequoia sustained “major rear end damage.”

At least one victim of the accident was transported from the scene by ground ambulance to County Road 33, just west of I-5, where the FlightCare helicopter was waiting.

The victim was loaded into the helicopter, and it took off, heading in the direction of Enloe Medical Center in Chico.

More information is expected in the coming days.