A 65-year-old San Leandro man died this morning when he was
driving a tractor-trailer on Highway 101 north of San Benito County
and lost control, causing the vehicle to run off the road and hit a
metal guard rail, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A 65-year-old San Leandro man died this morning when he was driving a tractor-trailer on Highway 101 north of San Benito County and lost control, causing the vehicle to run off the road and hit a metal guard rail, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The accident occurred around midnight. The driver, whose identity was not immediately released, was northbound in a 2005 International Tractor at an unknown speed when he made an unsafe movement to the right, with the vehicle to turning off the east edge of the road and coming in contact with the guard rail, according to a statement from the CHP.
The truck continued northerly and came to a rest on the highway, blocking the entire northbound lane.
The driver sustained fatal injuries, and the CHP noted how the Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office will release his identity. A representative for the coroner when reached shortly before noon said the office is not ready to name the victim.
That area of the highway near Sargent Ranch, between Betabel Road and Highway 25, was closed for more than nine hours. The CHP diverted traffic at Betabel Road. One lane reopened at about 9:30 a.m., according to the CHP. A second lane will remain closed for an unknown duration for repairs.
It is still under investigation. It is unclear whether alcohol or drugs played a role, according to the CHP.
