AHWAHNEE — At approximately 9:30 on Monday, Apr. 10, authorities responded to reports of a logging truck accident in the Ahwahnee area, according to CHP.
One-way traffic control remains in place on Tuesday morning as the situation involves clean-up of hazardous materials.
Upon arrival yesterday, first responders on scene found an open-top logging truck weighing between 50,000-60,000 pounds had left the roadway and was almost completely upside down, approximately 25 feet off the side of Highway 49 just south of Knickerbocker Road.
One-way traffic control was established as crews arrived to assess and remove the truck. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Madera County Public Works was called, CHP said, and the incident was determined to be hazmat.
“There is still traffic control on Highway 49 near Knickerbocker Road due to an overturned logging truck,” reported Oakhurst CHP at approximately 11 a.m. on Monday. “When the tow arrives, Highway 49 will likely experience a hard, total, closure in that area while they upright the vehicle and prepare to move it out of the area.”
So far, the road has remained open to one-lane traffic control. Caution is required in the area, says CHP.
“Be prepared and courteous. All involved are working as safely, and as expeditiously as possible to return the road to normal travel conditions.”
As of Tuesday morning, work was still being done to clear the hazmat sutiation.
The accident is under investigation. We will advise when the road reopens to traffic in both directions and when updates are available.
Photos courtesy of CHP Oakhurst.
