Fatal Collision On SR-18 (Updated)

Running Springs, CA, September 20, 2012, 10:22am – A two-vehicle accident in Running Springs yesterday killed one person and resulted in the closure of Highway 18 until 9:55 pm, according to the CHP. The accident occurred at about 5:30pm on SR 18 south of Live Oak Drive in Running Springs. A Ford Escape driven by 43 year-old Sean Gates and a Verizon utility truck driven by 29 year-old Jeffery Hazard collided. The vehicle driven by Sean Gates, for reasons still to be determined through investigation, crossed over the solid double yellow lines and hit the Verizon truck that was being driven by Jeffery Hazard. Sean Gates sustained fatal injuries as a result of the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol is not considered to be a factor in the collision. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.