Big Rig Accident Near Intersection of the Avenue of the Giants and Elk Creek Rd [UPDATED–Now with Photos]

Another photo below.

UPDATE 11:38 A.M.: Elk Creek Rd. will be closed for about an hour to an hour and a half.

UPDATE 10:28 A.M.: According to George Monroe of the Southern Humboldt Fire Chief’s Public Information Team, at  6:45 A.M., the Fruitland Ridge assistant fire chief, Debra Lake on her way to her job this morning saw tree debris in the road. She stopped and found a logging truck over the side in a very steep area.

The truck, Monroe said, was “completely trashed.”  It was on its side, hung up in the trees, 40′ to 50′ over the edge, barely visible from the road.

The driver had ejected down to the edge of the creek bed another 60′ further. It was determined that a specialized team might be needed to get him out and Southern Humboldt Technical Rescue Team was sent for.  In the meantime though, members of the local fire crews accessed the driver, put him on a backboard, and took him out through the creek bed. The crew members carried him through puddles of water and over logs to get him down to the Avenue of the Giants. The driver was severely injured, Monroe said. 

One of the fuel tanks was “completely detached” from the truck. The Park Service, said Monroe, is trying to determine what is needed to keep fuel from getting into Elk Creek.  “It’s a mess,” Monroe explained.

UPDATE 10:12 A.M.: The accident has been updated to a major injury accident.  There is a hazmat spill.

According to the CHP dispatch, a big rig accident near the intersection of the Avenue of the Giants and Elk Creek Rd. (just south of Myers Flat) has sent one patient to the hospital. The accident is up Elk Creek Rd.–about a  1/4 up the hill in the State Parks area.  Reportedly a logging truck went over the edge there.  The driver was injured.

County roads is reportedly closing Elk Creek and the Avenue may be closed also for a time. Check here for updates.