Chip Truck in Slough, Aug. 5

A chip truck driver received minor injuries Monday morning after crashing off Highway 101 into a slough near Coos Bay. Oregon State Police (OSP) is investigating the cause of the crash and the highway has partial lane blockage in both directions.  Preliminary information indicates on August 4, 2014 at approximately 10:48 a.m., a report was received of a commercial truck crash along Highway 101 near Shinglehouse Road about two miles north of the Highway 42 junction. A truck pulling a trailer loaded with wood chips was northbound when it traveled off the highway between the north and southbound lanes. The truck came to rest in the slough and the trailer broke apart spilling wood chips in the water and on the bank.  The 43-year old male driver received minor injuries. He is being taken by his employer to a local hospital for a medical examination.  Approximately 100 feet of guardrail was damaged in the crash. ODOT personnel are on scene accessing damage and assisting with traffic control. Traffic updates available on TripCheck.com.  An estimated 100 gallons of diesel has spilled into the water. DEQ, Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS), US Coast Guard and a hazardous material response team have been notified for response.  OSP is also assisted at the scene by Coos County Sheriff’s Office and a local tow company to remove the vehicles.