Tractor-trailer crashes on I-15 near SR76

FALLBROOK- On May 16, at approximately 11:22 a.m., Yogesh K. Shazma, age 39, from Baladine, IL was traveling southbound in a tractor trailer on I-15 north of SR-76 when the truck drifted off the roadway and traveled approximately 300 feet down a steep embankment, crashing into the hillside.

Shazma, who was in the number four lane, was traveling at approximately 55 miles per hour.

The truck’s tractor trailer portion landed completely on top and over the truck portion, the California Highway Patrol reported. The fuel tanks for the truck were ruptured during the collision and between 50-100 gallons of diesel fuel was spilled as a result. The incident was deemed a hazardous material spill and San Diego County Haz Mat responded and coordinated the removal of the diesel fuel.

Shazma was transported via ambulance to Palomar Medical Center with injuries including a fractured foot. Rakesh Patel, age 29, from Baladine, IL, who was a passenger in the truck’s sleeping berth, was transported via ambulance to Palomar Medical Center with a broken back.