November 19, 2012
Lieutenant Gregg Hastings
Public Information Officer
(503) 731-3020 ext 247
gregg.hastings@state.or.us
Photograph links valid 30 days - Source: Oregon State Police
According to Trooper Jessica Spurlock, on November 19, 2012 at approximately 10:00 a.m., a 2011 Volvo truck pulling an empty 53-foot semi-trailer driven by RODNEY L WOODZELL, age 50, from Dayton, Ohio, was traveling southbound on Highway 101 near milepost 3 over the Astoria-Megler Bridge when it lost control in high wind conditions. The truck and semi-trailer rolled onto their left side with the trailer coming to rest partially against the guardrail.
Oregon State Police (OSP), ODOT and local emergency personnel responded to the scene. WOODZELL was transported by an Astoria policer officer to Columbia Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
Due to severe weather conditions and high winds, recovery of the truck and trailer will be delayed until later this afternoon. The bridge remains closed on both the Oregon and Washington sides.
ODOT is posting traffic updates on their website www.TripCheck.com.