A strong wind gust on Highway 395 last night, Tuesday, March 14, overturned a big rig and forced it into the path of another big rig, and the two collided killing one driver and injuring the other.
According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, a 2020 Freightliner Box Trailer, driven by an unidentified man who was killed, was traveling southbound on Highway 395 north of Saddleback Lane when a sudden strong gust of wind overturned his big rig and forced it into the northbound lanes and the path of a 2022 Freightliner Box Trailer driven by A. Perez Saucedo, 44, of Bellingham, Washington. Saucedo was unable to avoid the other big rig and suffered minor injuries. He was transported to Banner Lassen Medical Center for treatment.
Both big rigs blocked Highway 395, forcing its closure, and traffic was diverted to Lassen County Road A3. Diesel fuel and vehicle fluids were released because of the collision.
The CHP reminds drivers to use caution and reduce speeds during inclement weather. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should find a safe parking location and not drive during high wind advisories.
