Large Tree Fell on US-101 After Midnight
Just after 12:30 a.m. on Monday, May 10, 2021, a tree crashed down onto US-101, blocking both the south and north lanes near Redcrest, California. Minutes later, several traffic collisions took place. A semi-truck that was hauling an empty milk tank was traveling south on 101 in the right lane when it came across the fallen tree in the darkness and collided with it. As a result of the impact, the semi crossed over into the northbound lanes and continued off the eastern edge of the road, finally coming to rest after traveling down an embankment.
Further Details on the Tree-Related Auto Accidents
Sadly, the driver of the white 2011 Kenworth semi-truck, a 67-year old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. A Jeep Cherokee that was being driven by a Fresno man in the northbound direction on US-101 crashed into the tree as well. His vehicle came to rest within the north traffic lanes. Thankfully the Cherokee driver escaped the incident without significant injuries.
Shortly thereafter, a Toyota Tundra pickup truck being driven in the southbound lane by a Redway man crashed into the tree, followed by a Ford F-150 also traveling south. The driver of the Toyota was taken to a Eureka area hospital with major injuries, and the Ford truck driver suffered minor injuries.
Incident Scene Response
For approximately five hours following the tree-related incidents, US-101 was shut down. Traffic was routed onto SR-254. Several agencies assisted the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in the aftermath of these events, including:
- Caltrans
- Calfire
- Redcrest Volunteer Fire Department
- Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department
- Humboldt County Sheriff
- City Ambulance of Eureka
The accidents remain under investigation by the Garberville Area CHP.
Tree Accidents in Northern California
Accidents and fatalities caused by giant trees or tree limbs crashing to the ground may seem like freak accidents, but they are not. They are entirely expected and somewhat predictable. The frequent drought conditions that often plague Northern California, coupled with days and days of strong winds, combine to cause trees to fall with regularity throughout the region.
There are telltale signs of damage that can warn that a tree or branch may fall, including:
- The tree is leaning more than it used to
- Big dead branches and areas without leaves
- Splits or cracks in the trunk
- Cracked or raised soil near the roots
- Mushrooms or other fungi near the roots
- Root rot or decay near the base of the tree
- Areas of missing bark
- Deadwood and brown leaves
- Broken branches
Trees that are in areas that are used by the public should be inspected and maintained frequently by the agency that governs the area. Regular inspection and maintenance can help prevent trees from falling and causing injuries and fatalities. Private property owners should also be on the lookout for signs of tree damage. If a tree located on private property falls and causes injury to someone, the landowner will be on the hook financially for the injured party’s damages.
Watch the YouTube video. Below, an arborist gives tips on tree maintenance.
Eureka Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to visit our legal blog. I’m Ed Smith, a Eureka personal injury lawyer. Serious car accidents can have repercussions that last the rest of your life. For more than 38 years, the skilled injury lawyers at our firm have been advocating on behalf of injured Eureka residents and bereaved families of those who have lost their lives in fatal car crashes. For compassionate, free, and friendly advice following an auto accident caused by another party’s negligence, call us at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400.
Photo: MMcB
mm llo [cs 630] bw