California Highway Patrol press release: 

On March 22, 2016, at approximately 9:05 AM, a 2003 Mack refuse truck, driven by 38 year old Jonathan Stevens of Fortuna, was traveling northbound on State Route 254, south of Elk Creek Road.  For reasons still under investigation, the right side of the truck collided with the exposed root of a large redwood tree that was adjacent to the east edge of the roadway.  The front of the truck then impacted with the east embankment resulting in the truck becoming disabled and blocking both the north and southbound lanes of the highway.  The driver was uninjured during the collision. 

As a result of the collision, approximately 53 gallons of hydraulic oil was spilled onto the roadway and adjoining dirt shoulders.  Both lanes of SR-254 remain closed for cleanup.  Expected reopening is approximately 4:00 PM (3/22/16).

In addition to CHP, CalTrans, California State Parks, and Humboldt County Environmental Health responded to the scene.

This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.  Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the cause of this collision.

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