Single-vehicle crash causes major injuries

A Roseville man might have fallen asleep at the wheel before a weekend crash on Highway 49 south of Crestview Drive, California Highway Patrol spokesman Rich Nickell said Monday.

Kevin Miehle, 40, was driving about 55 mph in a 2005 Nissan Titan truck at about 9:55 a.m. Sunday when his vehicle drifted off the road and crashed into several trees, according to the CHP report.

The impact of the crash pushed the engine backward into the car, fracturing Miehle’s right leg and knee. The air bags deployed, but Miehle sustained cuts to his mouth,

the CHP reported.

Miehle was incoherent and was transported by air ambulance to Sutter Roseville Hospital, according to the report.

There was no evidence he had been drinking, and he might have fallen asleep while driving, said Nickell, who is stationed at the Grass Valley office.

To contact Staff Writer Liz Kellar, e-mail lkellar@theunion.com or call 477-4229.