CLEARLAKE — No injuries were reported when a big rig went off the south side embankment of Highway 53 in Clearlake at about 12:30 p.m. Monday south of Lakeshore Drive. Removal of the rig, which was hauling an empty cargo trailer, took two tow trucks and nearly two hours.
Jose Chavez, 23, of Stockton was traveling southbound on Highway 53 he said when he felt a strong gust of wind catch the empty trailer he was hauling for Animal Supply Company of Stockton. He said he was traveling at about 45 mph when he lost control and went over the south side embankment.
The under carriage of the cargo trailer became embedded in the dirt leading down the embankment possibly preventing the rig for completely descending down the steep hillside. The angled, asphalt curb appeared to assist as well possibly stopping the motion of the rear tires of the cargo trailer.
Chavez said it was a frightening ride down the embankment and had the rig continued to descend it would have likely overturned. He said he was quite impressed with the people of the area who offered assistance.
“Everybody is so nice out here,” Chavez said. “So many people stopped to see if I was alright.”
Southbound traffic on Highway 53 was redirected at Lakeshore Drive while two Fischer”s Towing vehicles blocked the roadway with pulley cables. After about an hour and half effort, the Fischer”s crew successfully pulled the rig back up onto the roadway.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
