Update: Two Killed In Vehicle Versus Bear Crash

Update at 11:45am: The San Andreas CHP office reports that an unidentified 27-year-old female and an 18-month old female were tragically killed in a crash involving a bear.

The CHP reports a bear came onto Highway 4 near Red Hill Road, at approximately 6pm on Thursday, and it was hit by a 2002 Subaru driven by the 27-year-old female from Copperopolis. The driver was tragically pronounced dead at the scene while the 18-month old in the vehicle was taken to Mark Twain Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead. A four-year-old male in the vehicle was flown to UC Davis Medical Center to treat injuries.

A second vehicle also later hit the bear, but no injuries were reported from that incident. Additional information will be released pending notification of next of kin.

Original story posted at 9:30am: Vallecito, CA — A stretch of Highway 4 in Calaveras County was closed for a period-of-time on the night of Thanksgiving.

Limited details are currently available, but the CHP reports that a crash, involving a bear and multiple vehicles, occurred at around 6pm on Highway 4 west of Vallecito. It was near the Red Hill Road intersection. Caltrans responded to close the highway and help with the bear removal efforts. At least one ambulance was also dispatched to the scene. We’ll pass along more information when it becomes available from the CHP.