[UPDATE: Road Open] Garbage Truck Strikes Tree on Avenue

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The garbage truck has major front end damage. [Photo by Brian Anderson.]

An Eel River Disposal truck struck a tree between Miranda and Myers Flat, according to the California Highway Patrol Incident page. The roadway is completely blocked as of 9:54 a.m., according to the same source. There are 40-50 gallons of hydraulic fluid spilled.

UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: The accident occurred at mile post marker 8.16 due to a non injury traffic collision. Caltrans is on their way but at this time there is no estimated time of reopening.

UPDATE 10:39 a.m.: Resources to cleanup the fluid spill are arriving on scene, according to Brian Anderson.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: Press release from the California Highway Patrol.

On March 22, 2016, at approximately 9:05 AM, a 2003 Mack refuse truck, driven by 38 year old Jonathan Stevens of Fortuna, was traveling northbound on State Route 254, south of Elk Creek Road.  For reasons still under investigation, the right side of the truck collided with the exposed root of a large redwood tree that was adjacent to the east edge of the roadway.  The front of the truck then impacted with the east embankment resulting in the truck becoming disabled and blocking both the north and southbound lanes of the highway.  The driver was uninjured during the collision.

As a result of the collision, approximately 53 gallons of hydraulic oil was spilled onto the roadway and adjoining dirt shoulders.  Both lanes of SR-254 remain closed for cleanup.  Expected reopening is approximately 4:00 PM (3/22/16).

In addition to CHP, CalTrans, California State Parks, and Humboldt County Environmental Health responded to the scene.

This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.  Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the cause of this collision.

UPDATE: Caltrans wrote, “The scene has been cleared and the highway is back open to regular two-way traffic.”

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Mogtx
Guest
8 years ago

Having a couple ruff days 2 wrecks in a row better piss test your drivers .ouch and it’s one of Harrys new truck s.

G-ma
Guest
G-ma
8 years ago

Hope their ok.must have been looking at the rainbows!!

Anon Forrest
Guest
8 years ago

Is it my imagination, or has there been a rash of garbage truck accidents? These trucks have always looked (to me) to have too high a center of gravity to take turns with any speed above 30mph. af