Semi Overturns Exiting I-15 at SR-138 Crashing into Shell Gas Station

PHELAN – In an area where lives have been lost and others have been drastically changed, yet another collision occurred on Tuesday morning.

At around 8:00 a.m., the driver, Manuel Romero, 34, of Las Vegas was driving a 2012 Peterbilt Tractor, pulling a trailer loaded with hay was driving southbound on the I-15. He exited the freeway using the SR-138 exit. The semi failed to stop at the stop sign, going across SR-138 striking a 1999 GMC Yukon, which was heading east. “The Semi-truck continued straight, struck a series of steel barriers, and ultimately struck the rear of the convenience store,” CHP officials said in a written statement. “CHP units as well as the San Bernardino County Fire Department arrived on scene and found the driver of the Semi-truck and a passenger trapped inside.”

The driver and passenger of the semi-truck were extricated and suffered major non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the collision, The two were airlifted to a trauma center for treatment. The GMC, which was driven by James Jefferson, 52, of Palmdale, was left disabled in the roadway. Mr. Jefferson declined medical transport.

The collision caused extensive damage, including damage to the Shell Station located at 14949 Cajon Boulevard in Phelan causing temporary closure officials said. A Victorville man who witnessed the semi tractor-trailer collision said that it looked like the traffic collision may have been a result of brake failure. He also said that the semi was driving fast and passing vehicles prior to the collision.

This collision is still under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or may have additional information is asked to contact Officer Liddle at the San Bernardino CHP Area office at (909) 383-4247.

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