LUCERNE >> A semi-truck that overturned in the early morning hours east of Lucerne cause severe injuries to the driver and sent thousands of gallons of milk splashing onto the highway. Some milk also drained into a culvert and flowed to Clear Lake, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to assess the situation, along with personnel from the Lake County Department of Health. There have been no indications of ecological damage reported. If large amounts of milk enter a waterway, it can result in the death of fish and other water animals. Bacteria feed on the milk, consuming oxygen in the area of the spill.
CHP reports estimate that 5,000 gallons spilled when the tank trailer hauled by the semi ruptured.
The incident began around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, when the driver, Dana Montgomery, 57 of Corning, was traveling westbound on Highway 20 near Lucerne when his vehicle veered off the road. The truck went out of control, hit an embankment and overturned.
Montgomery was trapped in the cab until tow trucks arrived to lift the truck, allowing safety personnel to reach him. Montgomery was airlifted by REACH helicopter with injuries to his head and leg, described initially as severe.
