Overturned Sewage Truck Prompts Closure Of Highway 79

Temecula CA

13 October, 2021

3:47 PM

Description

AGUANGA, CA — A sewage tanker truck overturned Wednesday at the junction of Highways 371 and 79 in Aguanga, hitting an SUV and seriously injuring its occupants, one of whom was a child. The crash happened at about 11:30 a.m. as the tanker attempted to transition from the eastbound 371 to the northbound 79, according to the California Highway Patrol. The agency said the trucker may have tried to cut the turn too close, losing control and causing the rig to tip over, landing on a Ford Expedition. An adult and child inside the SUV both suffered traumatic injuries, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. Crews spent nearly a half-hour extricating one of the victims, who was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, according to reports from the scene. The other victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital, also in critical condition. Neither party was identified. The trucker was not injured. The CHP shut down the northbound lane of Highway 79 at the junction because of the wreck and leaking chemicals from the truck. According to officials, the rig was hauling about 2,300 gallons of sewage, which was seeping onto the roadway and running onto the shoulder. A hazardous materials unit was sent to clean up the mess. —City News Service ORIGINAL POST: Lanes of Highway 79 were closed in Aguanga Wednesday after a septic company truck overturned, according to the California Highway Patrol. The wreck was reported at 11:32 a.m. just west of Highway 371. Preliminary CHP reports indicate one other vehicle was involved. Traffic is being flagged through, but motorists could experience delays. Updates on any possible injuries will be provided as information becomes available. Check back for updates. —Toni McAllister, Patch