PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A driver was rescued and airlifted to a Sacramento-area hospital Tuesday after an SUV left the roadway on Highway 193 near Texas Canyon Road and crashed down a steep mountainside, according to California Highway Patrol officials.
The crash was reported Tuesday, Jan. 21, and triggered a large, multi-agency response due to the terrain and limited access. Firefighters and rescue personnel worked along a narrow, winding stretch of roadway east of Placerville, where the vehicle had come to rest well below the highway.
Emergency crews from El Dorado County Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, Garden Valley Fire Protection District and the Growlersburg Conservation Camp responded to the scene. Rescuers conducted a technical extrication and stabilized the driver before coordinating an airlift.
The driver was safely removed from the vehicle and transported by medical helicopter to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. The extent of the driver’s injuries was not released as of Wednesday.
In a statement, CHP Placerville praised the coordinated response. “This was a challenging rescue due to the steep mountainside and limited access,” the agency said. “The teamwork and professionalism of all responding agencies made a safe outcome possible.”
Highway 193 is a heavily traveled route connecting Placerville with Garden Valley and Georgetown and is known for its sharp curves, elevation changes and limited shoulders. CHP used the incident to remind drivers to use caution, particularly on mountain roads.
“Mountain roadways can be narrow, winding and unforgiving,” CHP Placerville stated. “Driving at safe speeds and remaining alert can make the difference between a close call and a serious crash.”
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
