MOHAVE COUNTY, Ariz. – A semitrailer overturned on Interstate 15 in the Virgin River Gorge early Thursday after the driver fell asleep.
Arizona Highway Patrol Sgt. John Bottoms said a semitrailer carrying 2,500 pounds of car batteries was traveling northbound on I-15 around Arizona mile post 14 when it drifted off the road and hit the guard rail head on. The guard rail was peeled back while the semitrailer ended up on its side. The accident was reported around 1:30 a.m. and was a result of the driver falling asleep at the wheel.
Due to the nature of the semitrailer’s cargo, a hazardous materials clean up team was called in from Las Vegas to investigate whether or not the batteries in the trailer were leaking acid and other chemicals. Though it was determined there was no threat from the batteries, the cleanup of other fluids spilled from the semitrailer continues as of 2 p.m. Thursday.
The semitrailer’s driver, as well as a co-driver, did not appear to have any serious injuries and did not require medical transport, Bottoms said.
Traffic delays around the accidents are between 10 and 20 minutes.
It is anticipated that the scene may be entirely cleared by around 5 p.m.
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Semitrailer overturns after driver falls asleep, Mohave County, Ariz., Aug. 15, 2013 | Photo courtesy of the Arizona Highway Patrol
Semitrailer overturns after driver falls asleep, Mohave County, Ariz., Aug. 15, 2013 | Photo courtesy of the Arizona Highway Patrol
Semitrailer overturns after driver falls asleep, Mohave County, Ariz., Aug. 15, 2013 | Photo courtesy of the Arizona Highway Patrol
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Well, there is a driver looking for a job now. Glad he wasn’t hurt. Hate to think what the clean up is going to cost his company.
Very nice pictures …….Get some sleep people !!!! Not on the roads or this is what could happen…….
Unbelievable!! The scenery in the gorge is spectacular!!! how can anyone sleep through that??? Well, at 1:30 AM some of the scenery isn’t all that spectacular (unless there is a full moon.)
You are right, it is spectacular. Even driving through it at night, the many, many curves should keep you on your toes. Once you exit the gorge, I can see one falling asleep.
Damn, I ordered some parts for my customers…