A big-rig accident early Tuesday morning in Bridgeport killed a 33-year San Bernardino resident.

Photos courtesy of Glenn Clark

Photos courtesy of Glenn Clark

According to a press release from the CHP, at approximately 3:45 A.M. Tuesday a solo vehicle traffic collision occurred on US 395, just north of the intersection with State Route 182, just south of Bridgeport. US 395 was closed, with a detour, for about 12 hours.

A 2009 Freightliner semi-tractor towing a 2011 Wabash semi-trailer, driven by 33-year old Miguel Marquez, was traveling northbound on 395. For reasons still under investigation, the tractor/trailer combination failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. The tractor/trailer combination struck and traveled through a bridge railing, landing on the embankment of the East Walker River where it became fully engulfed in flames, unfortunately resulting in fatal injuries to the driver.

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The CHP, Mono County Sheriff’s Department, Caltrans, Bridgeport Fire Department, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department (for haz-mat), Mountain Warfare Training Center (for haz-mat), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California Department of Environmental Health have all responded to the scene.

A company specializing in hazardous material cleanup has arrived on scene and began cleanup efforts. This team initially worked to cleanup the surface of United States 395, after which United States 395 was re-opened to vehicular traffic at approximately 3:40 P.M.

Cleanup efforts are expected to continue for several days.

These cleanup efforts are not expected to significantly impact traffic on US 395 or State Route182. It is anticipated that future work to repair damaged sections of the bridge may result in partial roadway closures at future dates.

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