HESPERIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> An abandoned motorcycle left in traffic lanes caused two big rigs to collide head-on, on Highway 395 Tuesday morning.
The collision occurred about 12:02am Tuesday November 30, 2021. It happened on Highway 395, between Poplar Street and Main Street in the City of Hesperia. Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff Hesperia Station, California Highway Patrol, along with rescue personnel with San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to the collision.
Upon arrival, deputies determined that a 2012 International big rig driven by a 41-year-old male, resident of Pomona was driving south on Highway 395 when he struck an abandoned motorcycle in the southbound lane of traffic. The collision caused the International to cross over into the northbound lane and collide head on with a 2022 Kenworth big rig driven by a 58-year-old male, resident of South Dakota. The Kenworth overturned and was found to contain 32 head of cattle inside his trailer. The driver of the Kenworth who was trapped in his vehicle required extrication and suffered moderate injuries during the collision. He was later transported to a local hospital for advanced treatment. The driver of the 2012 International received no injuries and was treated and released at the scene.
Investigators believe that for unknown reasons, the motorcycle was abandoned in the roadway and investigators are actively attempting to identify the driver who fled the scene prior to or at the time of the collision.
As a result of the collision, sadly 7 cattle were deceased at the scene, 7 were severely injured and were euthanized at the scene to prevent extended suffering, 8 of the cattle survived the collision and were rescued from the trailer with the assistance of several local ranchers, and 10 escaped into the desert near the crash scene. With the assistance of City of Hesperia Animal Control and the local ranchers the 10 escaped cattle were found and rounded up safe.
Highway 395 did remain closed for over 12 hours while Caltrans conducts extensive hazmat recovery and tow companies removed the big rigs and debris. Lanes were reopen by 2pm. Anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Deputy T. Rogoff 760-947-1500 at the Hesperia Station.
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