Scanner traffic and the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information page indicate a significant emergency personnel response is converging on Highway 101 between Ukiah and Hopland after a PG&E Service truck collided with a big rig hauling cement at 6:20 a.m. A third vehicle reportedly struck a bridge nearby the site of the collision.
The collision reportedly occurred south of the Retech Business complex completely blocking Highway 101. A first responder requested Caltrans to the scene due to heavy traffic backup in both directions.
There is a possibility of injuries but there has been no confirmation by an Incident Commander.
There is reportedly a gasoline spill associated with the incident as well. A responding firefighter said he would assess the scene to determine if Environmental Health would be needed.
For commuters, the best option is to take Old River Road which runs along the east side of the Russian River but is windy so take it slow.
UPDATE 6:49 a.m.: The big rig is reportedly loaded with 50,000 pounds of cement and has lost four of its five axels as a result of the collision requiring a heavy duty to assist in the clearing of the roadway.
UPDATE 6:58 a.m.: A Caltrans employee said the accident would result in an “extended closure” and they are proceeding to inform the media.
UPDATE 7:03 a.m.: A first responder estimated all resources committed to the incident would be there between 2-3 hours.
A medic reported two patients were being transported to Ukiah Valley Adventist Health Hospital.
UPDATE 12:28 p.m.: PG&E Spokeswoman Deanna Contreras reached out and informed us a the blue service truck that was involved in today’s collision was not in fact part of PG&E’s vehicle fleet. She told us that it initially was reported to be a PG&E truck but proved the same color.
The following update about this accident was provided by CHP Ukiah on social media:
Moderate injury collision on US-101 at mile marker 15.94 (south of Retech). Road is currently closed but will open for one way traffic in approximately 30 minutes. Please slow down in the area and look for emergency personnel.
UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: Caltrans reports, “U.S. 101 between Ukiah and Hopland (PM 15.94) in Mendocino County is now open to one-way controlled traffic. Please use caution in the area, and check quickmap.dot.ca.gov for the latest updates.”
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Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.
6:20 AM this morning? Story says “pm”. What’s the status of us 101?
Hey , thanks for the info and updates.
Is this we’re the Cal Trans cones are narrowing the highway?
The status of 101 at 1:58 p.m. Wednesday is traffic blocked due to road work. Stay away if at all possible. We are stuck and have been for a while.:( Blood Jed both ways, north and south.