Truck rollover on Grove Street injures 2

A private tree-trimming truck and trailer rig returning from a job on Grove Street lost control as it descended the road, and crashed into a tree at an unknown speed Thursday afternoon, Feb. 4. The collision rolled the truck over into the road near Westerbeke Ranch, spilling significant quantities of diesel fuel.

The 2:20 p.m. accident drew immediate response from Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue and the Eldridge Fire Department. Three engines and two ambulances were on site, and California Highway Patrol officers arrived to investigate the incident.

“This accident required extrication, hazardous materials isolation, and advanced life support efforts to mitigate the dangers at the scene,” a Sonoma Valley Fire spokesperson posted on Facebook on Feb. 4. “Our firefighters train daily just to be ready for challenging calls requiring multiple disciplines of expertise like this one today.”

The driver of the truck was able to escape the cab, but another man was trapped, Sonoma Valley Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Bob Norrbom told the Index-Tribune. It took crews half an hour to free the passenger, who was then transported by ambulance to nearby Ernie Smith Park, where a REACH helicopter flew him to the trauma center at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with moderate injuries.

The driver was also injured, complaining of pain, and was taken to Napa’s Queen of the Valley Medical Center. The extent of injuries to both men was not known.

Approximately 30 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled by the overturn, creating a “small haz-mat situation,” said Lt. Marc Renspurger of the Napa CHP. He predicted that Grove Street would likely be “shut down for about three hours,” though the thoroughfare in fact remained closed past midnight.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Email Christian at christian.kallen@sonomanews.com.