Early morning collision on 395

On Tuesday, May 14 at 3:44 a.m., a solo vehicle traffic collision occurred on U.S. 395, just north of the intersection with State Route 182. A semi-tractor towing a semi-trailer, driven by an unknown individual was traveling northbound on U.S. 395. For unknown reasons, the tractor/trailer combination failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. The tractor/trailer combination struck and traveled through a bridge railing, landing on the embankment of the East Walker River where it became fully engulfed in flames. Bridgeport Fire Department, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department (for haz-mat), Mono County Sheriff’s Department and Caltrans all responded to the scene. U.S. 395 will remain closed for investigation, removal of the tractor and semi-trailer, and until Caltrans determines the bridge is safe for vehicular traffic.

Vehicle traffic southbound on 395 from Nevada will be detoured by NDOT at Holbrook Junction (U.S. 395 and Nevada 208), Nevada 208 and Nevada 338 to California State Route 182 and back to U.S. 395 at the south edge of Bridgeport. Northbound traffic will be detoured in a reverse manner. Local roadways are available around the closure for local traffic.

At the time of this press release (6:20 a.m.) fire personnel were still working to extinguish the fire.

An additional press release will be prepared and released when more information becomes available (no later than 4 p.m. on May 14). –California Highway Patrol

(Photo courtesy Brent Harper)