Two people traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 101 near Pepperwood died at around 1:50 a.m. when their 1995 Nissan coupe left the road, collided with the guardrail, then a tree and ignited, becoming fully engulfed in flames.

The cause of the initial crash is unknown, as is whether or not drugs and alcohol were a factor. The names of the occupants have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. These deaths bring the total number of vehicle fatalities on Humboldt County roadways for the year up to 25.


From the California Highway Patrol:

On August 01, 2017, at approximately 0150 hours, a 1995 Nissan coup, driven by a driver whose identity is pending identification, was traveling southbound on US-101, south of Barkdull Road. The Nissan was also occupied by an unidentified passenger. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan ran off the west roadway edge and collided with a steel guardrail and steel culvert pipe. The Nissan then became air-born, collided with a tree, and overturned onto the west embankment, where it came to rest on its left side. Following the collision, the Nissan ignited on fire and became fully engulfed. The driver and passenger sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. Both occupants' identification is unknown at this time and is pending identification through the coroner's office.

The southbound number two lane of US-101 was closed for scene investigation.

The California Highway Patrol, Redcrest Volunteer Fire, Calfire, Caltrans, and Humboldt County Sheriff Coroner responded to the scene.

This collision remains under investigation by the Garberville CHP. At this time, it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this collision.