Zachary Williams and Billie Fritz were airlifted in a traffic accident north of Cazadero Monday afternoon on September 18.
The accident happened around 3:30 p.m. on King Ridge Road, just east of Tin Barn Road. According to the CHP, a 1965 Chevrolet collided with a Cal Fire type 3 truck, a fire engine typically seen in rural areas and used for rapid deployment during wildfires.
The Cal Fire truck was traveling eastbound and the Chevrolet was going westbound when they met at a sharp curve along the narrow and winding road.
Williams, 53 years old, was the driver of the Chevrolet. Fritz, 39, was his passenger. Both were airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial by a CHP H-30 helicopter with moderate to major injuries. Their injuries were non-life-threatening.
The fire truck sustained minor damage while the Chevrolet sustained major damage to its front and driver sides.
Multiple agencies responded to the crash, including the North Sonoma Coast Fire Protection District and Cal Fire.
It was unclear if the fire engine was responding to a call or had its lights on before the crash.
Drugs or alcohol did not play a role in the crash. Further investigation is underway.
One of the leading causes of accidents between cars and trucks is the lack of safe distance. Thus, always maintain a safe distance when driving. Do not drive aggressively, pay attention to your surroundings and practice defensive driving.