Trapped driver pulled from wreck

A 78-year-old Sonoma man was trapped in his vehicle after a solo crash Thursday afternoon on Fifth Street West. After being extricated from wreck, he was flown by helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

The driver lost control of his Volvo SUV as it traveled southbound. Police said he lost control of his vehicle, which jumped a curb, struck a fire hydrant and then rolled on its side, against a home.

There was one person in the home at the time of the collision, who was uninjured. There was minor damage to the home.

The driver had to be extricated from the vehicle by the Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority. He was then transported by ambulance to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Helicopter “Henry-1” which had landed in a nearby field. Helicopter Paramedic Dmitri Menzel and Dr. Josh Kucker tended to the driver who was flown to Santa Rosa.

Fifth Street West was closed for approximately two hours between MacArthur and Harrington while public works crews removed the vehicle, and cleaned up debris in the roadway.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation. No citations have been issued. Alcohol is not being considered a factor. Witnesses are encouraged to call Traffic Investigator Michael Baraz at 707-996-3602.