Log Truck Driver Receives Serious Injuries in Crash on Highway 36 Near Triangle Lake

Highway 36 was closed about 5 hours. ODOT and Lane County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.

Photo by: Oregon State Police

(BLACHY, Ore.) - Police say a truck driver was seriously injured Today when he lost control of his loaded log truck and rolled off Highway 36 near milepost 30 in the area of Blachly. The driver and his dog were entrapped in the truck for about three hours until being freed by firefighters.

Around noon, a loaded log truck driven by 41-year old Wesley Nicholson of Springfield, was westbound on Highway 36 attempting to negotiated a right curve too fast according to police, when he crossed the centerline. The truck and trailer went off the opposite shoulder and rolled. The logs broke free from the trailer and Nicholson was entrapped.

Lane Rural Fire District personnel responded and were able to free Nicholson and his dog about three hours later.

Nicholson, who is employed by M.O. Nelson & Sons out of Eugene, was seriously injured and transported by REACH air ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene. He was using safety restraints.

His dog was not seriously injured and was taken from the scene by a private party.

Company representatives responded to the scene and helped remove the logs from the area.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Springfield Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Speed and alcohol are being investigated as possible contributing factors.

Highway 36 was closed about 5 hours. ODOT and Lane County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.