[Update: Photos Added] Highway 101 Blocked After Semi-Truck and Van Collision Near Leggett
[Stock image]
A collision between a semi-truck and a passenger van has shut down both lanes of U.S. Highway 101 just before noon today, Wednesday, March 19 near mile marker 98, according to Officer Zepeda, Public Information Officer for the Garberville CHP.
The crash, reported at approximately 11:40 a.m., left the semi blocking both lanes of traffic, while the van ended up in the water. Initial reports suggested a possible occupant in the submerged vehicle, but Cal Fire later confirmed that no victims were found inside. The two occupants of the van were able to exit the vehicle and make it to the shore of the South Fork Eel River.
Cal Fire crews arrived on scene first, with CHP units en route to assist. The extent of injuries remains unknown at this time, and authorities are working to clear the roadway.
Drivers are advised to use caution and expect delays in the area. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Update: Highway 101 is now open to one-way controlled traffic through the collision scene.
Update 3:30 p.m.: Both lanes of Highway 101 are now open.
UPDATE: Photos provided by a reader, Sheila Hunt:
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Damage to the trailer… will buff out nicely.
That was my son-in-law
I’m glad he’s okay!!Sorry people make such stupid comments.
Hope he’s ok ????
Thanks for the reporting, Lisa! This is much better than LoCo’s AI generated version
Last Post Outcast is worthless. Hank Sims banned me from commenting there. As far as I’m concerned they can fold their doors. Kym is an excellent community journalist far and above both Last Post Outcast, the Sub-Standard, and North Coast Journal.
Hank Sims is a phony. I’ve seen him take both sides of an issue depending who was paying him. He has no moral compass.
Good to see the headline is “Big- Rig Collision” and not “Semi”. Thank you!
The headline says semi-truck as that is what the CHP is calling it. The Big Rig Collision you’re referencing is the stock photo.
The front of the truck had pretty good damage.it went into the face of the mountain in looked like. Wow I thought he dodged a big falling rock off the hill . Couldn’t tell a car went off when we went through
A real nasty accident for sure. I was not there at the time, so I don’t know what caused the accident. After seeing the van in the river, the occupants are very lucky to be alive. Luck was on their side when they managed to exit the van and make to shore on their own. I pray everyone involved just has minor injuries.
My father talked to the truck driver. Van was headed north, truck was headed south and the van went into the trucks Lane. Truck had no where to go and they collided. Van bounced off and went into the river.
Trucker, thanks for the updated information. I was not sure who was at fault, but now I see the van caused the accident. Tell your fathers thank you also.
I thank you for your prayers that was my son in law, who I love very much, he means the world to me, I know God kept him alive. I am eternally thankful to those angels God keep surrounding him! My son is a miracle ! Jesus is the King! All GLORY TO GOD !
Thanks to Leggett Volunteer Fire Deaprtment for responding as well. Poor guys never get any credit.
We love what they do. We appreciate you letting us know that we missed them.
Hi Sara, I’m sorry I missed that LVFD got called out to this. When I spoke to CHP they only mentioned that CF was on scene.
Big thanks to LVFD, and all our local volunteer firefighters for usually being the first on the scene and answering the call. We appreciate you!
Piercy VFD too
My maternal grandmother died in a traffic accident just north of this accident at Bridges Creek in 1961. I always say hi to her whenever I drive over that bridge.
Please drive slowly in the two lane stretches of US101 folks,
Life is too short to be in a hurry.
It looks to me as if the semi took off the outer shell of the vans passenger door. That was close and I hope that everybody went home and gave their family a big hug.
I always say, The one with most Lug Nuts WIN.
This looks like a legal weed transport vehicle.
Okay. This van is a good example of why to wear seat belts! Going down that hill into the river you’d like to stay inside your vehicle… I’m not much into wearing them but I note this and am rethinking now! Glad everybody made it through this. Much thanks to the responders again and always…