Interstate accident sends two to hospitals

A California woman was injured Tuesday afternoon after the car she was driving collided with another vehicle along Interstate 8, just east of the Gordon's Well exit.
 
According to a preliminary investigation by the California Highway Patrol, 57-year-old Elinda Godinez, of Niland, Calif., had been traveling eastbound on Interstate 8 and had stopped her 2003 Dodge Neon van along the right shoulder of the road.
 
As Godinez's vehicle was stopped along the right shoulder, a 2003 Chevrolet Venture driven by 30-year-old Jonathan Lew of Marana, Calif., was approaching her position.
 
As Lew's vehicle came upon Godinez, she pulled back onto the interstate directly in front of Lew, who had four passengers in his vehicle.
 
According to the CHP investigation, Lew tried to avoid colliding into Godinez's vehicle by applying the brakes and turning away, but still broadsided the van.
 
Godinez sustained moderate injuries and was transported to San Diego Medical Center, while a passenger in Lew's vehicle, 34-year-old Sharon Lew was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center.
 
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

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James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.