A Nevada City man is believed to be the fifth person to die so far, this year, in a solo vehicle crash. CHP Officer Mike Steele says 32-year-old Casey Hankins was driving at a high rate of speed on Cement Hill Road, early Friday morning, when, for unknown reasons, he drifted onto the dirt shoulder and struck a large tree…

click to listen to Officer Steele

Steele says the vehicle then caught on fire, but was quickly extinguished by neighbors. He says Hankins HAD been wearing a seat belt and it’s not believed drugs or alcohol were a factor. He says solo accidents continue to be a regular occurrence in the county, and especially in the foothills…

click to listen to Officer Steele

Cement Hill Road was closed for about two hours, with no detour available. But there was minimal impact on traffic, due to the early hour of the day.