Two crashes tied up Pacheco Pass Highway Wednesday, one in the
morning, one at midday.
Gilroy – Two crashes tied up Pacheco Pass Highway Wednesday, one in the morning, one at midday.
A big-rig loaded with green tomatoes tipped over just before 7am Wednesday morning as it sped westbound on Highway 152 just east of Casa de Fruta Parkway.
Thomas Hooper, 36, of Bakersfield, was driving the tractor-trailer when it drifted into the center divider, sliding across the eastbound lanes and hitting the opposite guard rail.
Tomatoes and spilled diesel fuel from a punctured tank made a mess on the road, said California Highway Patrol Officer Brad Voyles.
Hooper may face charges, said Voyles, though alcohol and drugs do not appear to be involved.
Investigators are still examining the crash.
“Apparently this guy failed to sleep when he should have,” Voyles quipped.
Traffic was re-routed around the crash almost immediately, Voyles said, and the road was completely open by mid-morning.
About 12:30pm, a motor-home overturned on Highway 152, blocking traffic.
Limited information was available on the crash Wednesday afternoon, but the CHP Web site showed traffic was blocked for at least 90 minutes.
