One dead, CalTrans worker seriously injured in crash
Juan Villa, jfvilla@visaliatimesdelta.com 10:01 p.m. PDT July 1, 2016
(Photo: Juan Villa, Juan Villa)
A multi-vehicle crash on Highway198 east left one man dead Friday morning.
The crash occurred just after 9:30 a.m. when a pickup truck driver lost control of his vehicle and flipped at 198 and Road 182. The truck landed on its wheels but the driver and a passenger were pinned in the truck. A SkyLife air ambulance was called but later canceled after Tulare County firefighters confirmed the passenger died at the scene.
Witnesses said the driver veered when he saw a CalTrans crew on the side of the road. The truck swerved and hit a CalTrans worker, who was seriously injured and helped by a man who saw the whole thing from westbound Highway 198. The CalTrans worker likely broke both legs, witnesses said. A CalTrans vehicle was also hit and pushed down an embankment on the side of the road.
State investigators from OSHA also responded to help clear the scene.
A man was killed Friday in an eastbound Highway 198 traffic accident near Exeter. (Photo: Juan Villa, Juan Villa)
"He is in serious condition. He was crushed," said Michael Johnson of Exeter. "He was clipped and then flipped. End over end. He flew, he flew."
The crew was inspecting a nearby guardrail. No names have been released.
California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. They haven't released details on what may have led to the crash. OSHA is handling the CalTrans portion of the crash.
A man was killed Friday in an eastbound Highway 198 traffic accident near Exeter. (Photo: Juan Villa, Juan Villa)
Highway 198 east was closed for a portion of Friday due to a deadly crash. (Photo: Juan Villa, Juan Villa)
Traffic was diverted in Farmersville and some cars were stuck in traffic for several hours. Others were turned around and sent west or south into Exeter.