Semi-Truck Crashes Over Side of SR-154

(Photos: Marco Valdivia)

A semi-truck with a trailer crashed over the side of SR-154 near Paradise Road early Thursday morning causing a traffic delay.

At 4:46 a.m., Santa Barbara County firefighters responded with Search & Rescue, CHP, and the US Forest Service to approximately 1/8 of a mile west of Paradise Road. Crews discovered a semi-truck with a trailer had crashed 150 feet over the side of the road. 

The driver was ejected from the cab of the truck, but had climbed back in to keep warm, said Public Information Officer Mike Eliason.

Search and Rescue conducted a rope system rescue and extrication of the driver. He complained of moderate injuries and was transported to Cottage Hospital by ground ambulance.

SR-154 was closed for a short time this morning while crews rescued the driver. An edhat reader reports Smith's towing company attempted to retrieve the semi-truck on Thursday but were unsuccessful and the semi-truck is still in place.

CHP is investigating the cause of this accident.