By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–A semi-truck driver was rescued early Wednesday morning after a traffic collision left the cab of his rig dangling approximately 70 feet above the San Luis Rey River, authorities said.
The Oceanside Fire Department responded at 5:07 a.m. to reports of a traffic collision on northbound Interstate 5, just south of Harbor Drive, involving a semi-truck on the bridge.
Upon arrival, fire crews found the tractor portion of the truck hanging over the edge of the bridge. Crews worked to stabilize the vehicle to prevent further movement, then removed the rear window of the cab to reach the driver inside. The driver was safely extricated and evaluated at the scene. He was not injured.
The California Highway Patrol, Caltrans and the San Diego County Hazardous Incident Response Team remained at the scene to assist with traffic control, vehicle recovery and cleanup operations.
The Oceanside Fire Department reminded motorists to use caution during wet weather conditions, urging drivers to reduce speeds, maintain safe following distances and avoid unnecessary travel during rain.
