BLUE LAKES, Calif. – A Mendocino County man escaped injury after his vehicle went into Blue Lakes Thursday night.

Tan M. Van, 56, of Ukiah was the driver in the incident, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Steve Tanguay.

At 7:50 p.m. Thursday Van was driving a 1998 Toyota pickup truck westbound on Highway 20 west of Irvine Avenue near Blue Lakes, Tanguay said.

Tanguay said Van made an unsafe turning movement to the left and the truck crossed over the double-yellow lines and crossed the eastbound lane of traffic.

The truck continued to the left and traveled down a steep embankment to the south of the roadway. Tanguay said Van's pickup struck a tree and then continued into Blue lakes.

Van was able to exit the vehicle and he swam to shore, Tanguay said.

This collision is being investigated by CHP Officer Greg Buchholz.

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