US 395 was shut down for several hours last night when a semi-truck overturned, killing the driver.
High gusty winds from the storm overtook the Freightliner traveling south on US 395 near Saddleback ln in the Janesville area around 8 o’clock last evening, forcing the tractor-trailer on its side into the opposing lane. At that exact moment, another Freightliner was traveling northbound, driven by Armando Saucedo of Washington. The southbound truck had fallen directly into its path resulting in a head-on collision. The unnamed driver of the southbound Freightliner sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the northbound truck sustained minor injuries, receiving care at Banner Lassen Medical Center.
As a result of the collision, Diesel fuel, and other fluids spilled onto the roadway, forcing the highway to close until the trucks could be removed and the road cleared.
A wind advisory was in place at 5:30 that evening due to winds gusting upwards of 50 mph. The CHP strongly reminds drivers of high-profile vehicles to try to find a safe parking location and not drive during high wind advisories, as strong localized gusts can occur anytime.
