Big-rig crash closes Highway 253

A big-rig crash closed Highway 253 between Ukiah and Anderson Valley in Mendocino County for much of the day Thursday after the truck plunged over the side of the highway, snagging some power lines and snapping a utility pole, the CHP said.

The big rig traveled 100 feet off the side of the highway shortly after 9 a.m., dropping power lines into the road, fire and CHP personnel said.

The driver remained in the cab as it plummeted. He had no obvious injuries and declined medical attention, Ukiah Valley Fire Engineer John Strangio said.

The road was closed in both directions for several hours before crews reopened one lane to traffic escorted in both directions.

The highway was completely reopened around 4:30 p.m., the CHP said.

-- Mary Callahan