PATTERSON, CALIFORNIA — Interstate 5 closed in both directions Friday morning after a semi-truck hauling a trailer filled with refrigerated liquid hydrogen overturned near Patterson, injuring two people including an unrestrained passenger who was airlifted to a hospital with major injuries.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash happened shortly before 10 a.m. just north of Sperry Avenue. Officers determined the semi driver veered left for unknown reasons and traveled into the median. When he attempted to regain control, the truck overturned onto its side.
The driver, a 58-year-old man from Fillmore, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a medical center. A 43-year-old man from Bakersfield was unrestrained inside the sleeper berth at the time of the crash and suffered major injuries. He was airlifted to a hospital. DUI does not appear to be a factor.
Witnesses reported smelling leaking gas, prompting officials to close I-5 in both directions as a precaution due to the liquid hydrogen cargo. By 1:30 p.m. the scene was determined to be safe and southbound I-5 reopened. Northbound lanes reopened at approximately 4:30 p.m.
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