Semi-truck collision on Hwy. 395 in Hesperia injures driver, kills several heads of cattle
A driver was injured, and several heads of cattle died when an abandoned Yamaha motorcycle on Highway 395 in Hesperia caused a head-on collision between two semi-trucks.
The Hesperia Sheriff’s Station reported that just after midnight Tuesday, deputies and the San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to a multi-vehicle traffic collision on Hwy. 395, south of Main Street.
Upon arrival, deputies determined that a 2012 International semi-truck — driven by a 41-year-old man from Pomona — was traveling south on Hwy. 395 when the driver struck an abandoned 2013 Yamaha YZ motorcycle in the southbound lane.
The collision caused the International to cross over into the northbound lane and collide head-on with a 2022 Kenworth semi-truck — driven by a 58-year-old man from South Dakota — that was transporting 32 heads of cattle, the sheriff's report said.
The Kenworth overturned, trapping the injured driver inside. He was extricated and later transported to a local hospital where he was treated for moderate injuries, authorities said.
The driver of the 2012 International received no injuries and was treated and released at the scene.
The collision killed seven of the cattle, with seven others severely injured and euthanized. Eight of the cattle survived the collision and were rescued from the trailer with the assistance of several local ranchers. Another 10 animals escaped from the trailer into the desert and were later rounded up by local ranchers and the Hesperia Animal Control.
Investigators believe that for unknown reasons, the motorcycle was abandoned in the roadway.
Sheriff’s investigators are attempting to identify the driver who fled the scene before or at the time of the collision.
Hwy. 395 remained closed while Caltrans conducted extensive hazmat recovery, and tow companies removed debris.
Anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Deputy T. Rogoff at the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station 760-947-1500.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Instagram @RenegadeReporter and Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Semi-truck collision in Hesperia injures driver, kills cattle
