[UPDATE 10:23 a.m.: Road Clear] Traffic Backed Up in Both Directions After Semi-Truck Strikes Wall on Last Chance Grade
It appears that a large truck is mostly in the northbound lane of Highway 101 after it stuck the wall while going southbound. [Photos provided by Wade Smith]
Caltrans QuickMap shows traffic backed up in both directions as of 9:33 a.m.
According to the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information Page, the crash occurred at approximately 8:44 a.m. near mile marker 15.30. Initial reports indicated it was a solo vehicle collision, and the driver did not appear to be injured. Emergency medical services were notified as a precaution.
A truck driver, Wade Smith, who shared photos from the scene told Redheaded Blackbelt, “It looks like a chip truck hit the concrete wall coming down [Last Chance Grade].” Images show the semi stopped against the barrier, with damage to the front end and the trailer angled across the roadway. Traffic cones were in place to guide vehicles around the scene through the foggy conditions.
By 9:15 a.m., the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office was assisting at the site.
Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available.
UPDATE 10:23 a.m.: Traffic is moving normally in the area.
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Maybe these chip truck and lumber haulers should slow down a little bit. 70-75 MPH is an accident waiting to happen. Happens all of the time from Rio dell through eureka.
Rio Dell to Eureka ? 70-75 mph is the ‘de facto’ speed limit.
Go slower and you will get run over.
Oh—-kay! The right lane is for slower, legal-speed drivers, Mr. Bozo, and the fast folks pass on your left. Honest, you can look it up. Ask around.
I make a joki… eh ?
OK, I didn’t get the joke. My bad. There’s no humor or sarcastic font. Plus, I hate seeing the USA fold up like a paper plane. But no excuse, compadre’.
Drive 55, keep Earth alive.
Get a grip. Nobody is going 70 on Last Chance unless they have a serious death wish.
Looks like a Bettendorf truck coming back from white city, garbage hauler
IMHO: Classic ‘Fog/Rain’… probably the road was slick… and maybe a ‘wee’ bit too fast.
A wee bit slower in the tunnel, I hope. Jam up the tunnel and they’ll need cutting torches just to clear it. Anybody plan for that?
I am glad that the driver was not injured. I don’t know the reason for the accident but it does look foggy so the road way was probably wet making it easy to lose control.
Foggy and wet are good reasons to slow it the heck DOWN. Ambient conditions, etc. Slow down and maybe maintain control. Arrive a bit late alive with full cargo and intact truck. Crazy, I know.
Your comment makes perfect sense. As you say it is better to arrive a little late with all your cargo and your truck in perfect shape. No, it is not crazy at all. Tips all our expert semi drivers should live by.