CHICO, CA (MPG) – A deadly crash involving six vehicles claimed two lives last Wednesday, June 10^th.

At approximately 12:45 pm a 2019 Freightliner semi-trailer, driven by 22-year-old Jobanjit Singh, collided with north-bound traffic stopped at the Neal Rd light on Hwy 99, causing a chain reaction that pushed the vehicles into the intersection. The semi-trailer caught fire and ignited a small brush fire that was extinguished by CAL FIRE units. Out of 8 drivers and passengers involved, 5 were transported to Enloe Medical with injuries, 1 had to be extracted from their vehicle by CAL FIRE first responders and 55-year-old Lupe Ortiz and 55-year-old David Sims, succumbed to their injuries.

The wreck closed both north and southbound lanes for hours as emergency crews, including seven fire engines and three water tankers, cleaned up and investigated the cause of the accident. Alcohol and drugs did not appear to be a factor in this collision.