DATE/TIME: Tuesday, November 30, 2021 / 12:02 a.m.
INCIDENT: Major Injury Traffic Collision
LOCATION: US Highway 395 / Poplar Street, Hesperia
DRIVER #1: Unknown
VEHICLE #1: 2013 Yamaha YZ
DRIVER #2: 41-year-old male, resident of Pomona
VEHICLE #2: 2012 International Semi-Truck
DRIVER #3: 58-year-old male, resident of South Dakota
VEHICLE #3: 2022 Kenworth Semi-Truck
SUMMARY: On Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at approximately 12:02 a.m., deputies with the Hesperia Station along with rescue personnel with San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to a multi-vehicle traffic collision on US Highway 395, south of Main Street. Upon arrival, deputies determined that a 2012 International semi-truck was driving south on US Highway 395 when he struck an abandoned motorcycle in the southbound lane of traffic. The collision caused the International to cross over into the northbound lane and collide head on with a 2022 Kenworth semi-truck. The Kenworth overturned and was found to contain 32 head of cattle. The driver of the Kenworth who was trapped in his vehicle required extrication and suffered moderate injuries during the collision. He was later transported to a local hospital for advanced treatment. The driver of the 2012 International received no injuries and was treated and released at the scene.
Investigators believe that for unknown reasons, the motorcycle was abandoned in the roadway and investigators are actively attempting to identify the driver who fled the scene prior to or at the time of the collision.
As a result of the collision, 7 of the cattle were deceased, 7 were severely injured and were euthanized at the scene to prevent extended suffering, 8 of the cattle survived the collision and were rescued from the trailer with the assistance of several local ranchers, and 10 escaped into the desert. With the assistance of City of Hesperia Animal Control and the local ranchers the 10 escaped cattle were found and rounded up.
US Highway 395 remains closed while Caltrans conducts extensive hazmat recovery and tow companies remove the debris. Anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Deputy T. Rogoff at the Hesperia Station.
Refer: Deputy T. Rogoff
Station: Hesperia Station
Phone No. 760-947-1500
Case No. 192107618
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
