PORT ANGELES — A fully loaded log truck spilled its load after a driver swerved to avoid an animal on U.S. Highway 101 west of Port Angeles on Thursday morning, the State Patrol said.
A Port Angeles man driving another vehicle was treated and discharged from Olympic Medical Center after the wreck.
Charles Simmon, 58, of Clallam Bay was not injured when he swerved to avoid a dog or deer in the eastbound lane between Laird and Dry Creek roads at about 6:28 a.m., said Trooper Russ Winger, State Patrol spokesman.
The evasive action “caused the trailer to start oscillating and whipping,” Winger said.
Vehicle totaled
A Ford Bronco driven by Robert Klein, 67, of Port Angeles, which was hauling a boat, collided with the spilled logs in the westbound lane.
“It basically totaled the Bronco and the trailer of the boat,” Winger said.
Klein was taken to OMC in Port Angeles with minor injuries and was treated and discharged, a hospital spokeswoman said.
The state Department of Transportation said the highway was blocked in both directions at 6:28 a.m.
A detour was in effect at 7:43 a.m. The highway reopened at 9:06 a.m., Transportation officials said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.