Big rig rumbles out of control prior to earthquake in California

(The Trucker File Photo)

The Trucker News Services

7/31/2008

SAUGUS, Calif. — Hours before a magnitude 5.4 earthquake rolled through the valley July 29, a Saugus, Calif., neighborhood was shaken up by a big rig.

The tractor-trailer was carrying about 30,000 pounds of Andersen's split pea soup and heading east on Bouquet Canyon Road near Camargo Drive when the driver apparently lost control, said Capt. Scott Graham of Fire Station 111.

After scraping past a utility pole, the truck hopped the curb, rumbled down the sidewalk, smashed into brick walls and fell at least one tree before stopping with the cab resting on its side, Graham said.

The 69-year-old driver climbed out, initially refusing medical attention before agreeing to be taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital for treatment of cuts to his left arm, Graham said.

"He said he fell asleep at the wheel," Graham said. "This guy was extremely lucky."

The collision took place about a quarter-mile west of Central Park, and Graham said while there were several joggers in the area no one other than the driver was injured.