FISH CAMP — What began as a call regarding an overturned big rig north of Oakhurst has led to Highway 41 being blocked for several hours.
Just after noon today, CHP and emergency vehicles responded to the scene of a trailer that had overturned just a few feet south of Miami Mountain Road.
The Peterbuilt tractor, owned by Tommy’s Water Truck Rentals out of Clovis, was heading south on Highway 41 at an unknown rate of speed, pulling a trailer full of wood chips. For unknown reasons, according to CHP, the driver allowed the truck to drift off to the right shoulder, causing the trailer to overturn.
The trailer rolled onto its side, coming to rest all the way across the road, blocking both lanes of Highway 41 and dumping a good portion of its load out onto the roadway. The driver was not injured and no other vehicles were involved.
Hydraulic fluid spilled from the truck, spreading across the roadway into the vegetation. It was considered a hazmat incident at one point, however Tommy’s Water Truck Rentals officials are on the way to the scene, telling CHP they will take care of cleaning up any spillage from the accident.
Traffic is being turned around at Miami Motorcycle Trail on the south and Miami Mountain Road on the north, as emergency crews work to clear the scene. As of 1 p.m. the ETA on the tow truck is at least one hour.
We will update when the road is reopened.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
**UPDATE 4:40 p.m. — CHP reports Highway 41 has been reopened in both directions at the scene of a big rig accident south of Fish Camp.**
Photos by Gina Clugston
