A multi-vehicle truck crash that involved three semi-trucks in the Shandon region of California resulted in injuries, debris and a deceased dog. Officials believe the incident started with a big rig that veered into oncoming traffic, though the reason the driver lost control is unclear.
The Shandon truck crash was among the numerous crashes involving commercial vehicles that occurred in California over the week, with accidents that ranged from deadly and disastrous to close-calls in shocking situations. Incidents involving commercial vehicles are common in the heavily-populated state of California, and fatal truck crashes happen frequently.
Three Semi-Trucks Involved in Truck Crash in Shandon
March 5, 2018
Traffic on Highway 46 in the Shandon rest area came to a sudden halt after a truck crash that saw a big rig lose control, veer into oncoming traffic and subsequently set off a chain reaction involving two other semi-trucks and an SUV.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials say that the accident took place at approximately 5:50 a.m. between the Shandon rest area and Lucy Brown Road. Sixty-three-year-old Wesley Lake, a Laton, California, resident, was traveling westbound in a 2013 Freightliner semi-truck when his vehicle swerved into eastbound traffic. Lake’s semi hit the side of another 2013 Freightliner moving east with a load of cardboard. That semi was driven by 25-year-old Ysidro Martinez, a Santa Maria, California resident.
Despite the impact of the collision, both semi-trucks continued traveling on the roadway. Lake continued west into opposing eastbound traffic, and Martinez veered across Highway 46 eastbound into oncoming westbound traffic. There Martinez’ tractor-trailer collided with the back of a 2015 International semi-truck. The two semis stopped in the westbound lane and shoulder.
Lake’s big rig, meanwhile, hit an oncoming 2012 Ford Expedition head-on, which also spun into the westbound lane. Lake’s vehicle finally came to a rest in the eastbound lane.
There were two occupants inside the Expedition: A 52-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, both residents of Visalia, California. Both individuals sustained major injuries in the Shandon truck crash and were transported to nearby Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. Three dogs were also in the SUV, and one suffered fatal injuries in the crash. CHP officials did not mention any injuries to the three semi-truck drivers.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and officials are working to identify why Lake first crossed into oncoming traffic. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors. Highway 46 was closed in the area until approximately 12:20 p.m.
Cement Truck Overturns in California Delta, Causing Major Delays
March 5, 2018
Authorities say an incident involving a tractor-trailer hauling cement in the California Delta could have easily have been much worse, even though hundreds of vehicles were brought to a standstill following the crash.
The unidentified male semi-truck driver was driving west on Highway 12 at approximately 11:30 a.m. when he came upon traffic waiting for an open drawbridge over the Mokelumne River. CHP says the driver was traveling at a speed of between 50 and 60 miles per hour as he approached the traffic and was unable to stop in time. To avoid colliding with the vehicles in front of him, the semi-truck driver made a sharp turn, in the process overturning the cement-filled trailers.
Ripple effects from the tractor-trailer overturning caused a Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang to crash, leading to the only injuries sustained in the crash, which were minor and sustained by the driver of the Ford. The fact that only one person was injured, despite severe damage to both passenger vehicles and the semi, was “remarkable” according to CHP Officer Nicholas Capadona.
Traffic built up in the area as crews cleared debris from the scene and conducted an initial investigation.
Smart Car Wedged Under Semi After Crash in Inglewood
March 5, 2018
Images from a dramatic crash between a Smart Car and the rear of a dump truck highlight just how devastating underride accidents can be to smaller vehicles.
The compact car, known for being one of the smallest on America’s roads, was driving near the Inglewood exit on the 405 Freeway at approximately 1:00 a.m. when it hit the back of the dump truck. Video captured after the crash shows the Smart Car very nearly destroyed and wedged under the truck. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the Smart Car, was hospitalized for major injuries.
Safety advocates have long pushed for stronger truck underride guard laws in America because of the high risk of injuries and fatalities when passenger vehicles collide with commercial vehicles from the side or rear.
Man Dies in Fiery Anaheim Big Rig Crash
March 2, 2018
The Orange County Coroner’s Office has identified a 27-year-old Anaheim man who died in a truck collision on the 91 Freeway as Roy Michael Sabala. Sabala was traveling eastbound at approximately 11:40 p.m. when he veered onto the road’s shoulder and struck a parked semi-truck.
Sabala’s vehicle caught fire after the collision with Sabala trapped inside. Witnesses to the crash stopped to assist him, but could not free him.
“It was all in flames, and I saw this dude over there, he was trying to get the guy out, and we got a fire extinguisher from the truck driver,” Hunter De Lay Hoya told ABC 7. “I got a screw driver from the driver of the truck right here, so I ran over and busted the window and tried to get [Sabala] out, but he was stuck in there, so we just had to wait for the fire truck to get here.”
Sabala was pronounced dead at the scene, and no injuries were reported for the semi-truck driver, who was in the rear of the tractor-trailer at the time. Officials are still investigating the crash.
