Holtville man was flown to hospital after tractor collision

Evan Hewes Highway was closed in both directions following a tractor crash early Monday morning.

California Highway Patrol said a tractor was heading eastbound on Evan Hewes Highway when the driver of a Toyota 4Runner struck the tractor from behind.

Javier Amezcua, with the California Highway Patrol, said, “It appears that Mr.Terribilini for some reason did not see the tractor and ran into the back of the John Deere tractor.”

Thirty-four-year-old Micky Terribilini, the driver of the Toyota, suffered a broken leg as well as chest pains.

“As the emergency personnel arrived on the scene, they stabilized Mr.Terribilini until a Reach Air ambulance could arrive to transport him for the injuries he suffered,” Amezcua said.

Carlos Martinez, parts manager for RDO Equipment Co. said, residents underestimate the damage a tractor can do to a vehicle.

“The equipment’s very heavy. A lot of our tractors here in the Imperial Valley we have to add additional weight. So we put water in the tires as well. So it’s an extra couple hundred of pounds as well,” Martinez said.

According to Martinez, valley residents should expect more tractors on the road now that the harvest season is at its peak.

Martinez said, “The summertime is usually our busier season. All our hay is going. A big thing here in the valley as well is our sugar beet. You see a lot of sugar beets trucks going up to Holly Sugar and taking the sugar beets there that get processed.”

CHP said if you find yourself driving behind a slow-moving tractor to be patient.

Amezcua added, “They want to make sure that they have enough clearance to pass the vehicle safely. And also give them a little bit of time to move over if they are on the roadway.”

CHP said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.