Semi Overturns On I-10 Near Desert Center, Injuring And Trapping Drive

DESERT CENTER, CA — A tractor-trailer overturned Friday on Interstate 10 west of Desert Center, injuring and trapping the driver, who was safely extricated and airlifted to a hospital.

The rollover wreck was reported at 10:55 a.m. on westbound I-10, roughly halfway between Desert Center and Chiriaco Summit, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency said the big rig, hauling bales of hay, plowed into the guardrail on the north side of the interstate and overturned.

No other vehicles were involved.

Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location in 20 minutes and found the trucker injured and "pinned" inside the cab of the semi, officials said.

The man, whose identity was not disclosed, was extricated from the vehicle shortly before 1 p.m. and airlifted via helicopter to a Coachella Valley hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, according to the fire department.

Although the semi rolled into desert scrub adjacent to the highway, CHP officers shut down the westbound slow lane for public safety. The lane was reopened by 2 p.m.

The truck's cargo was expected to be removed from the location Friday afternoon.

The cause of the crash was under investigation.

—City News Service