A truck driver has died after a tire blowout led to tragic accident on westbound Interstate 80 in Berkeley, California, on Friday morning.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the truck driver lost control of his vehicle after blowing a steer tire, causing his rig to hit the center guardrail.
The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was immediately ejected from the tractor and landed about 30-feet away on the highway.
Big rig ax under the overpass WB 80 at University. pic.twitter.com/6hscrApJ3w
— Eric Thomas (@ericthomaskgo) November 24, 2017
The trailer then became wedged underneath an overpass, and the tractor continue down westbound Interstate 80 for approximately 50 feet.
A couple who witnessed the crash said the first thing they heard was a tire pop that sounded like a “gunshot,” then they saw the driver being tossed out of the rig.
Traffic back up WB 80 at University due to big rig accident. pic.twitter.com/Rke9RWlnLm
— Eric Thomas (@ericthomaskgo) November 24, 2017
The truck belonged to San Francisco-based, Truely Blessed Trucking.
The trucker, whose name has not yet been released, was rushed to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries.
The California Highway Patrol said the accident serves as an example of the importance of wearing seat belts.
“If people dont’ listen to us, there’s nothing we can do about it. Seat belts do save lives,” said CHP officer Matt Hamer.
