A multi-vehicle collision on Highway 20 near Road 144 east of Ukiah temporarily shut down traffic in both directions Thursday evening, October 22, as emergency crews worked to free a woman trapped inside a vehicle with a baby also inside.
The crash was reported at approximately 6:52 p.m. on a bridge just west of Road 144, near the Highway 101 interchange, according to Redheaded Blackbelt, citing California Highway Patrol dispatch records.
Initial reports suggested that three or four vehicles were involved. The woman was described as having moderate injuries when responders began working to extricate her shortly after 7 p.m. The baby's condition was not established in the initial reports.
Emergency Crews Close Highway, Arrange Towing
The collision prompted officers to block traffic in both directions while emergency personnel attended to the injured and assessed the damaged vehicles.
Authorities arranged for motorists to turn around near Road 144 and Highway 101. Multiple tow trucks were requested for vehicles with significant front-end damage, and Caltrans was called to assist with the response.
By approximately 7:41 p.m., officers had established one-way traffic control through the westbound lane, allowing vehicles to begin passing through the crash scene.
Local radio station KWINE also reported the collision Friday, confirming that traffic had been reduced to one lane before 8 p.m.
Later Report Indicates Hospital Transport
A Friday report published by Johnson Attorneys Group stated that the trapped woman was transported to a hospital, with a dispatch update noted at approximately 10:01 p.m. Thursday. The report also said the highway subsequently reopened after crews cleared the scene.
Those later details have not been independently confirmed through an official CHP statement.
As of Sunday, October 25, no independently verified update establishing the woman's subsequent medical condition or whether the baby suffered any injuries was located in available reporting.
The cause of the collision also remains unconfirmed, and authorities have not publicly established the final number of vehicles involved in the reports reviewed.
Drivers seeking current information about Highway 20 can consult Caltrans QuickMap for road closures, traffic conditions and other highway advisories.
