Williams, CA – A serious head-on collision involving a box truck and a semi-truck on State Route 20 early Wednesday morning left at least two people injured, authorities reported. The crash occurred around 6:40 a.m. east of State Route 16, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Williams.

One of the vehicles was hauling an estimated 15,000 pounds of lumber at the time of the accident, adding to the severity of the crash. Emergency responders rushed one person with major injuries to the hospital, while a second individual was treated on-site for minor injuries. Both directions of SR 20 were temporarily closed as crews worked to clear the scene and investigate the cause.

Williams, located in Colusa County, has historically recorded low numbers of traffic accidents due to its smaller population, but incidents have been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2022 alone, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that eight people were injured or killed in Williams, accounting for nearly 5% of the county’s total traffic injuries and fatalities. Speed-related errors were a factor in 37% of accidents, and night-time crashes accounted for 25% of injuries and deaths.

State Route 20, which passes through Williams, has been labeled one of the most dangerous roads in Colusa County due to its rural two-lane stretches, high-speed traffic, and proximity to the Lake County line where accidents frequently occur. Drivers are urged to exercise caution, reduce speed, and remain alert, particularly in the early morning or at night.