WHITERIVER, ARIZONA — A semi-truck loaded with approximately 40,000 pounds of cheese missed a left-hand curve on US-60 outside of Whiteriver on August 16 and plunged nose-first down a steep ravine, going through the end of a guardrail, over a pile of large boulders, and through a right-of-way fence before coming to rest face down at the bottom. The load of cheese spilled out onto the ground.
AZDPS troopers, local police, and EMS arrived to find the truck clipped against the guardrail and down in the drop-off. The driver survived. He told troopers he had swerved to avoid an animal on the road. Investigators said fatigue may also have been a factor in the crash.
The carrier’s name and MC number were intentionally blurred in photos released by AZDPS and the company has not been publicly identified.
AZDPS used the crash as a reminder about the dangers of drowsy driving on winding mountain roads. “Winding mountain roads are no joke. No matter what you drive, slow down, stay alert, and make sure you’re good to drive,” the agency said.
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