Article By Scott Limpus
November 19, 2018
At 3:01 pm on Monday, a single vehicle traffic collision with possible injuries was reported on Hilltop Blvd. in Running Springs. Arriving units from the California Highway Patrol, Running Springs Fire Department, and California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection found a damaged trash truck stopped in a vacant lot next to an unoccupied commercial building, on Hilltop Blvd. near View Drive in downtown Running Springs.
The driver of the dump truck was standing outside of the vehicle, which was leaking fuel. The driver explained to the emergency responders that he was traveling eastbound on Hilltop Blvd., approaching the Highway 330 overpass at an unknown speed, and hit his brakes to slow for the turn. He stated that his foot slipped off the brake and he lost control of the dump truck, striking the k-rail on the south side of the bridge. The force of the impact caused the driver to be ejected from the vehicle, allowing the dump truck to continue east on Hilltop Blvd. unattended. The truck followed the road for at least 100 feet and came to rest in the vacant lot on the north side of the road.
The driver was able to walk down to his truck and waited for emergency response personnel. Paramedics from Running Springs Fire Department assessed the driver, who refused treatment and transportation to the hospital. The dump truck did not hit any other vehicles nor the unoccupied building. The fire crews contained the estimated 15-20 gallon diesel fuel spill. CalTrans was requested to inspect the bridge, which sustained minor damage. The highway remained open the entire time. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
