Interstate 5 reopens near Patterson after semi-truck overturns, leaving 1 with major injuries
Interstate 5 was closed in both directions Friday morning after a semi-truck overturned near Patterson, officials said.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash happened shortly before 10 a.m., just north of Sperry Avenue.
Officers determined the semi driver turned to the left for unknown reasons and traveled into the median. When he tried to regain control, the semi overturned onto its side.
A 43-year-old man from Bakersfield was unrestrained within the sleeper bed at the time of the crash, officers said. He suffered major injuries and was taken to a hospital via a helicopter.
The driver, a 58-year-old man from Fillmore, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a medical center for treatment.
The semi was towing a trailer filled with refrigerated liquid hydrogen. Several witnesses said they could smell the odor of leaking gas, prompting officials to close the interstate.
By 1:30 p.m., the scene was determined to be safe and southbound I-5 reopened. Northbound reopened at about 4:30 p.m.
DUI does not appear to be a factor in the crash.