Oceanside Fire Department personnel helped a driver out of the dangling cab of a big rig after the truck crashed on the San Luis Rey River bridge at state Route 76 near Harbor Drive early Wednesday, Feb. 11, authorities reported.
The driver was not injured, the Fire Department stated.
The call for assistance came in just after 5 a.m. when a crash occurred on northbound Interstate 5, according to law enforcement reports. The California Highway Patrol reported that the big rig jackknifed on the rain-slick freeway, leading the cab to dangle off the bridge. Oceanside fire officials stated that the cab was about 70 feet above the ground.
“Oceanside firefighters stabilized the vehicle to prevent further movement and removed the rear cab window to gain access to the driver,” the Fire Department stated in its report. “Crews safely removed the driver from the cab. The driver was evaluated on scene and was not injured.” (press release)
The crash resulted in the closure of northbound lanes on Interstate 5 as crews rescued the driver and righted the big rig, authorities reported. The No. 1 and 2 lanes were closed for debris clearance and roadway repairs throughout the morning into the afternoon. The northbound lanes were fully reopened just before 2:30 p.m.
Caltrans and the San Diego County Hazardous Incident Response Team were involved in repairs and cleanup, according to the Fire Department.
