Chico Woman Hurt in Rollover

Christina Cole

Contributor

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Seatbelts likely saved the life of a Chico woman after her SUV plunged off Clark Road on Monday morning.

Sheila Renee Manzella, the driver, was alone in the SUV when it rolled down a steep hillside and came to rest 150 feet below the roadway, stopped by many small trees.

Initially Manzella's injuries were assessed as severe, but she was alert and talking when rescue arrived on the scene. While she was in pain Monday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol said her injuries were considered minor.

CHP Office Fischer said Manzella was traveling west on Clark at approximately 11:12am when she said she hit a rock on the road. The driver said she swerved to the left, then back to the right and proceeded to lose control of her 2003 Toyota Sequoia when it skidded past the shoulder and off the road.

Fischer said the skid marks on the road seem to confirm Manzella's account of the accident.

The tumble down the hill punched a large hole in the passenger side door and tore the front bumper from the vehicle. The SUV came to rest on the drivers side but rescuers were able to quickly get Manzella out of the wreckage.