It happened on Monday at 6:07 a.m. at the intersection of Highridge Park and Valley Road.
50-year-old Alvin B. May of Charlotte, North Carolina, was driving a 2006 Freightliner owned by Shipps Trucking. According to officials, the truck driver missed his turn into the Highridge Business Park. He did not notice the sign that prohibited trucks from driving on top of the mountain on state Route 4007.
Because of the weight of the cargo, the driver was unable to safely stop at Valley Road. He pressed on the brakes but instead veered through the intersection. He tried to steer to the left to continue east, but instead, he lost control and the semi truck overturned onto its passenger side.
Republican Herald stated that the semi truck then hit a guard rail and rolled onto its top. It came to a halt while on its roof. Police found the vehicle in the woods, facing east about 20 feet south of Valley Road.
Firefighters, police and emergency crews responded to the scene.
One police officer told reporters:
“The operator was extracted from the tractor and transported to Hershey Medical Center for unknown injuries to his head.”
One resident stated that this isn’t the first wreck of this kind that he’s witnessed.
He stated:
“It’s been, like, eight or 10 times I’ve seen this already. Luckily, there hasn’t been anybody going through the intersection. If there is, they’re done.”
The resident told reporters that he believes the area of Valley Road which borders Highridge Park roads needs stop signs.
He explained:
“If you put a stop sign here, at least they have half a chance if they see a runaway truck coming. You’d be stopping and be able to look up that road before you go.”
According to officials, the truck driver will receive a citation for failing to obey traffic control signs.