Driver killed in crash on Hwy. 101

The victim of a fatal vehicle crash on Highway 101 south of Petaluma has been identified as Abhinendra Suren Ram Singh, 29, Roseville, the CHP said.

Singh was killed Wednesday evening after losing control of his southbound Cadillac and veering across the center median into the oncoming lanes, authorities said.

He was struck broadside by a northbound pickup truck driven by Nathan Eugene Bent of Petaluma, which sheered off the front of Sing?s sedan, the CHP said. The wreckage of the two vehicles, joined together by the impact, flew another 100 feet before coming to a rest.

Bent, who was piloting a Ford F-250 pickup, said he didn?t see Singh coming toward him until he was only about 50 feet away, CHP Officer Barbara Upham said.

Though he tried to brake, his only meaningful defense was a seatbelt and airbags, ?which greatly reduced the extent of Mr. Bent?s injuries,? she said. ?The combined force of that impact is staggering.?

Singh was pronounced dead at the scene of the 7:17 p.m. accident. His name was withheld pending notification of his family.

Bent was taken to Petaluma Valley Hospital, where he was treated for a broken foot and cuts and abrasions on his hands, the CHP said. He later was released.

The northbound lanes of Highway 101 were closed for about four hours, but state authorities directed traffic around the accident scene using an acceleration lane from San Antonio Road, Upham said.

The investigation is still ongoing, but alcohol is not considered a factor, she said.