Oroville, CA : Four killed, two seriously injured in accident on Highway 70 Thursday night on Thursday, February 2nd 2017

Four people from Olivehurst including a 6-year-old girl were killed Thursday night in a traffic accident along Highway 70 south of Oroville. Two Oroville residents were seriously injured.

The deceased include Yer Thao, 48, of Olivehurst and Zoua Hang, 56. The names of two others who died — a 42-year-old woman and the 6-year-old girl — have not been released.

The two Oroville residents, Lawrence Grundmann, 77, and Kathleen Grundmann, 77, were admitted to Enloe Medical Center in Chico with major injuries. As of Friday morning they were in the trauma unit in fair condition, a nursing supervisor said.

At about 7 p.m. Thursday, Lawrence Grundmann was driving a 2001 Ford Mustang as part of a small group traveling north from Marysville toward Oroville, according to information provided to the California Highway Patrol by witnesses.

Grundmann’s wife was in the passenger seat and they were traveling at about 55 mph with cruise control.

It was raining at the time and the Thao, the driver of a 1999 Honda Civic, was traveling south on Highway 70 at an unknown speed. Just south of where two passing lanes merge into one near Central House Road, the Honda was approaching the pack of cars from Grundmann’s group.

The press release states that for unknown reasons, Thao lost traction and slid across the northbound lane. The Honda rotated, and was in an almost perpendicular position in the road, directly in the path of the Grundmann’s vehicle, when the two cars collided.

Alcohol and distracted driving have been ruled out for Grundmann. The press release from CHP said there is no indication of alcohol or distraction in the case of the driver of the Honda, and the coroner’s office is continuing the investigation. It is also unknown if there were other vehicles involved, according to the press release.

A CHP investigation team responded to the scene from Sacramento.

Traffic was detoured with the help of Caltrans. Highway 70 between East Gridley Road and Lower Honcut Road was closed for 7 3/4 hours, just north of the Butte/Yuba county line.

Members of the public who may have witnessed the collision or have information that could help with the investigation are encouraged to call Oroville CHP at 538-2700.

Source :
Four killed, two seriously injured in accident on Highway 70 Thursday night