A big-rig tractor trailer leaking an unknown, corrosive fluid forced the closure of Highway 139 north of Susanville early Monday morning while the California Highway Patrol, CalTrans and the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office dealt with cleanup of the mess.
According to details provided by the Susanville CHP office, 58-year-old Reno resident Pedro Colon was driving a 2021 International big-rig, towing a pair of trailers, south on the highway, just north of Antelope summit.
“Mr. Colon contacted CHP Susanville Dispatch to report that he had swerved for a deer, and the load he was transporting shifted and spilled an unknown quantity of corrosive liquid,” explains CHP Public Information Officer Bruce Thuelchassaigne. “Colon pulled into the nearest available turn-out and awaited assistance.”
CHP and Caltrans set up a hard closure on the highway for several hours, until hazmat teams could render the area safe.
No injuries were reported. Alcohol and or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this crash.
