RESCUERS USE THE “JAWS OF LIFE” TO EXTRICATE A WOMAN IN A NASTY, THREE-CAR COLLISION ON HIGHWAY 49 SOUTH ON TUESDAY MORNING. THE WOMAN SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. FOUR OTHER PEOPLE AND A DOG HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED FOR TREATMENT OF THEIR INJURIES. GAZETTE PHOTO BY DAN TUCKER Two separate, unrelated vehicle accidents claimed two lives in Mariposa County in a 24-hour period. The first took place on Monday evening in the Briceburg area, and the second happened on Tuesday morning in Bootjack.

The Bootjack crash snarled traffic on Highway 49 South for a couple of hours. According to California Highway Patrol Officer Chris Michael, Janice Kelley, 47, of Mariposa, was killed when she crashed into two cars.

Michael said Kelley was driving south bound on the road when she clipped a car driven by Kevin Long of Mariposa, causing him to roll over. She then traveled into the oncoming lane, striking 31-year-old Kendra Lingenfelter of Mariposa head on.

Kelley was pronounced dead at the scene. Long was taken to John C. Fremont Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. His dog, which was thrown from the vehicle, was taken by animal control to a local veterinarian and is expected to recover.

Lingenfelter and her two little girls were in her pick-up when Kelley crossed into their path. Lingenfelter was flown to Fresno Community Regional Medical Center for treatment. One of her daughters was flown to Memorial Hospital in Modesto for treatment, but was released by Monday afternoon. The second child was taken to John C. Fremont Hospital for treatment.

Michael said all parties were wearing seat belts, and the children were properly restrained in child safety seats. Officers do not know what caused Kelley to lose control of her vehicle, but there were no skid marks on the road way. Kelley and Lingenfelter were estimated to each be traveling at the speed limit.

The evening before, a 66-year-old San Diego man lost control of his car on Highway 140 near the Octagon. The accident was reported around 6:45 p.m. When officers arrived, they found a car approximately 100 feet over the bank and upside down.

According to witnesses, the man was driving on the wet road and lost control of his car on a curve. The witness said the car hit the southern side of the road, spun and plunged over the side.

The man’s identity has not been released, pending notification of his family. The body was recovered Monday night, but because of the treacherous terrain and wet conditions, the car was not recovered until Tuesday morning.