Three Hospitalized in Downieville Rollover Crash

DOWNIEVILLE — On Tuesday, July 22, at around 7:30 PM, a Ford F-150 headed westbound on Highway 49 rolled over half a mile east of Downieville. Based on initial reports made on fire dispatch radio frequencies and evidence at the scene of the crash, the vehicle drifted off the right side of the road, struck a ditch and a rock face, and then rolled while returning to the roadway. Local paramedic Cory Schiemann, who was following closely behind and witnessed the rollover, was immediately able to assist the three occupants. Due to the paramedic’s fortunate presence, Downieville ambulances arrived on scene within minutes.

Downieville personnel responded with two ambulances. Officials also ordered an air ambulance, which arrived around 8:15 PM. One patient was transported to the hospital by air ambulance, while the remaining two patients were transported by ground. Crews transferred one patient to an Advanced Life Support ambulance from Grass Valley at the Ramshorn helicopter landing zone. Two patients sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and the third patient had only minor injuries. The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Downieville Fire Department, and Caltrans assisted with traffic control, investigation, and scene clean-up. The reason for the vehicle’s initial departure from the roadway remains under investigation.