Vehicle Crash in Independence Update

On January 25, 2022, at approximately 3:56 PM, the driver of a Dodge Dakota (pickup) was traveling northbound US-395 in the town of Independence, at a high rate of speed. At the same time, a driver of a Toyota Rav4 (SUV) was traveling northbound US-395 at approximately 30 MPH, also within the town of Independence. The driver of the SUV had noticed a red pickup approaching from behind at a high rate of speed. The driver of the SUV swerved to the left and into oncoming traffic lanes to avoid from being struck by the pickup. Despite actions taken by the driver of the SUV, the pickup side-swiped the right side of the SUV. The pickup continued northbound on US-395 at a high rate of speed before swerving to the right and off the highway. The pickup crashed into a light pole and into a vacant restaurant building. The driver of the pickup was trapped within the vehicle and he suffered major injuries due to the crash. Personnel from Independence Volunteer Fire Department, Lone Pine Volunteer Fire Department, and Calfire extricated the driver from the wreckage. The driver was transported by Mercy Air via helicopter to Antelope Valley Hospital for treatment. Additional personnel from Inyo County Sheriff’s Department, Caltrans, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and the California Highway Patrol had responded to the crash scene.

This crash is still under investigation by Bishop CHP.