CLEARLAKE OAKS — A big rig driver hauling a load of logs Friday lost control of the payload as the truck rounded a curve on Highway 20 near Hillside Lane in Clearlake Oaks, according to Officer Nick Powell of the California Highway Patrol.
The driver, identified as Richard Panopulos, 51, of Orland, was heading eastbound at approximately 1:35 p.m. and rounded the curve when the load shifted, causing the truck and payload to land on the side.
The big rig landed on the bank of Clear Lake. The trailer was partially submerged in the lake and many logs from the trailer landed in the water.
Witnesses to the crash said Panopulos, who was not injured, did not appear to be speeding, according to Powell. Several gallons of diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid leaked from the truck, but did not reach the lake, according to Powell.
The crash is still under investigation. Drugs and alcohol were not considered a factor in the crash.
