Lake County official killed in Highway 20 semi-truck collision

A fatal two-vehicle collision occurred on Highway 20 between Colusa and Williams on Friday morning, September 11, 2026. Lars Ewing, a 49-year-old Lake County public works official from Lakeport, was killed when his 1995 Honda veered into the oncoming lane and struck a 2024 International semi-truck.

Both vehicles caught fire following the head-on impact. The semi-truck driver, a 42-year-old man from Yuba City, was transported to a hospital with moderate injuries. Emergency responders worked to extinguish the fires and manage a diesel spill estimated by Caltrans to be between 120 and 150 gallons.

The California Highway Patrol reported that both drivers were wearing seat belts. The cause of the Honda crossing the centerline remains under investigation, with no preliminary findings regarding mechanical issues or roadway conditions. Highway 20 was closed for approximately eight hours while crews cleared the scene, reopening shortly before 4 p.m.