1 dead, 2 injured in Highway 20 crash in Mendocino County

A 49-year-old Ukiah woman was killed Monday night after the Mini Cooper she was riding in spun out on Highway 20 and collided with two other vehicles, authorities said.

Two others were injured in the Mendocino County crash, which happened while it was raining at about 5:30 p.m. east of Potter Valley Road, according to a report from the California Highway Patrol.

The highway was closed for more than an hour following the crash.

Authorities on Tuesday did not release the name of the woman who died. She was the only passenger in the Mini Cooper, the CHP said.

Investigators believe the 60-year-old man driving the car was going east when he drove through a puddle and the Mini Cooper lost traction.

The car spun into the westbound lane, colliding with a Toyota Tacoma and then a Ford Explorer, according to the CHP.

Passing drivers stopped and pulled the man and woman from the car.

The woman died at the scene and the driver had major injuries, the CHP said.

The man driving the Explorer had moderate injuries. Nobody else was hurt, the CHP said.

Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.

This story has been corrected to say that the woman who died was a passenger in the Mini Cooper.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Pera at matthew.pera@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @Matt__Pera.