CLEARLAKE OAKS – A fiery crash along Highway 20 Saturday morning that closed the highway for a short time reportedly resulted in minor injuries for several people.

The two-car collision occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. just west of Hillside Lane about a mile west of Clearlake Oaks and just past the 11700 block of Highway 20, according to the California Highway Patrol and witnesses at the scene.

A large full-size pickup collided with what appeared to be a GMC Jimmy or a Chevy Blazer. That second vehicle burst into flames and sent up a huge plume of thick black smoke.

Clearlake Oaks resident Jim O'Brien, who witnessed the scene, said the two vehicles came to rest about two-tenths of a mile apart.

O'Brien estimated the highway was closed in both directions for about an hour.

Northshore Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Pat Brown said five people were injured, with two transported to area hospitals. He said the injuries that resulted were minor.

Brown said Northshore Fire responded with two engines, a rescue unit, two medics, with he and another battalion chief also at the scene.

Tow companies were called to the scene to remove the vehicles, the CHP reported.

There was a lot of gasoline spilled from the crash, and firefighters used foam to extinguish the car fire, Brown said.

As a result, “We just put precautionary booms in the lake,” he said.

The Lake County Sheriff's Marine Patrol assisted with placing the booms in the water.

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