Semi-Truck Rollover Causes Lane Closure on Highway 101 Near Nojoqui Summit

A semi-truck rollover early Thursday morning caused significant disruptions on Highway 101 northbound, just north of the Nojoqui Summit.

The solo male occupant of the truck managed to self-extricate and was transported by ground ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The extent of his injuries has not been disclosed.

Emergency crews, including Santa Barbara County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol (CHP), and CalTrans, responded to the scene shortly after the incident occurred at approximately 6:38 a.m.

CHP states the driver of a Peterbilt truck tractor, in combination of an unloaded bottom dump semi-trailer, was traveling in the number two lane when the combination vehicle traveled onto the right shoulder and collided into the metal guardrail and subsequently overturned on its right side, blocking the number two lane and partially down the embankment.

As a result of the crash, the right-side gas tank of the vehicle was punctured causing diesel fuel to leak onto the roadway asphalt and into a water covert drain.

Semi-Truck Rollover: Hwy 101 NB, just north of Nojoqui Summit. Solo male driver / occupant, self extricated. Transported by ground ambulance to SB Cottage Hospital. One lane will remain closed for several hours, heavy-wrecker requested by CHP. SBC Fire, CHP, CalTrans on scene.… pic.twitter.com/0YDah4TTaO

— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) July 31, 2025

The spill was contained. Caltrans was requested to set a up a hard closure for the extended vehicle recovery. Traffic is able to flow utilizing the partial number one lane and center median.

One northbound lane will remain closed for several hours as a heavy-wrecker has been requested to remove the overturned vehicle. The cause of the rollover is under investigation by CHP.

This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with additional information about this incident should call the Buellton Area CHP office at (805) 691-6160.

Motorists are advised to expect delays in the area and proceed with caution. No further information was immediately available.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
There is a traffic crash involving an overturned commercial vehicle on US-101 northbound at The Summit. The #2 lane will be closed for an extended period of time. The #1 lane will remain open for travel. pic.twitter.com/rYuHe5MQrL

— CHP Buellton (@chp_buellton) July 31, 2025

[Ed Note: This article has been updated with additional information by the California Highway Patrol]