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Lanes closed on Highway 118 westbound after truck crashes, spilling batteries
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More from Breaking NewsLanes of Highway 118 westbound near the Ventura County line were closed today after a crash that caused a truck to go over an embankment and spill a load of batteries, authorities said.
The crash occurred about 10:20 a.m. on Highway 118 between Rocky Peak Fire Road and Topanga Canyon Boulevard near the Ventura County line.
Carmela Montero, 20, of Simi Valley, was driving in the fast lane of Highway 118 westbound when she lost control for an unknown reason and swerved into the slow lane, where she hit a box truck driven by Michael Dunbar, 46, of Bell Gardens, said Officer Brandon Mumme of the California Highway Patrol.
The impact caused the truck to veer right over an embankment.
The truck came to a stop about 300 feet down the slope.
About 130 new and used car batteries spilled from the vehicle, said Bill Nash, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department. Several of the batteries broke open.
Dunbar was extricated from the truck and transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries, Nash said.
Montero was not injured.
All lanes of the roadway were initially blocked as a result of the crash, but the two left lanes were quickly reopened, Mumme said.
The right lane and the right shoulder remained closed at 1:20 p.m.
Environmental control crews were working this afternoon to clean up the battery spill.
The CHP is asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call Mumme at 553-0800.
Posted by dana1230 on May 15, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I always talk on my phine....lol.
Posted by del on May 15, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where is the truck hauling baking soda when you need it?
Posted by del on May 15, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where is the truck hauling baking soda when you need it?
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