Lunch Hour Accident Causes Traffic Delays on Interstate 8

Flinn Springs-

An eastbound driver escaped with relatively minor injures when he reportedly fell asleep causing a spin-out accident on Interstate 8 near Dunbar Lane.

On Thursday, October 24, 2013, at 12:27 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a report of a vehicle that had left the roadway and had possibly overturned. Two structural engines, a rescue company, one ALS medic unit, and a duty chief were dispatched to the incident. Responding units encountered heavy traffic about two miles away from the incident which had effectively blocked the slow lane.

Lakeside paramedics evaluate the driver while another firefighter secures the vehicle.

On the arrival of Rescue 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), it was determined that the occupant had self extricated from the vehicle and, fortunately, had only minor complaints of pain. The driver was transported to a local hospital via Lakeside paramedics.

Unfortunately the damage had already been done. Eastbound traffic was jammed almost back to the Olde Highway 80 over-crossing (about 2 miles away). Although the CHP quickly cleared the lane it took some time for traffic to return to normal.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by the Alpine Fire Protection District. A total of 9 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District