Hopland, CA : Car crashes into 5 bicyclists in Mendocino County on Friday, January, 2015

A car crashed into a group of five tourists riding their bicycles on a rural Mendocino County road that winds along the Russian River north of Hopland, leaving at least one with major injuries.

Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to free a woman pinned under the Honda sedan, Hopland Fire Capt. Mitch Franklin said. The woman, who lives in Menlo Park, was airlifted to a Santa Rosa hospital with major injuries, according to CHP and fire officials.

Four other bicyclists were taken by ambulance to Ukiah Valley Medical Center with moderate to mild injuries, Franklin said.

The Honda sedan could be seen at the side of the road, with a bicycle wheel stuck partially under the car. The driver and a passenger were being questioned by CHP investigators Friday night, CHP Sgt. Lanika Lee said.

The accident was reported at 5:10 p.m. on Old River Road about six miles south of Talmage, according to the California Highway Patrol. The road is popular with bicyclists, drawn to its scenic views of vineyards and the river.

A group of five bicyclists from Menlo Park and Los Altos in their 50s and 60s were riding north on Old River Road when they were struck from behind, Lee said. The most seriously injured woman was riding at the rear of the pack, Lee said.

Old River Road was closed in both directions while a helicopter landed to evacuate the injured woman. One lane of the road was reopened at about 6:30 p.m.

Source :
Honda Motor : Car crashes into 5 bicyclists in Mendocino County