FORKS — Charles Richards, 35, of Forks, was hospitalized with cuts and bruises after the 2003 Kenworth logging truck he was driving crashed into a transmission pole along U.S. Highway 101 near Bear Creek Road on Monday.
Richards took evasive action to avoid a passenger car that had veered in front of him, according to reports.
The collision caused a power outage at the Sol Duc Substation at 12:29 p.m.
The outage affected 120 customers between West Twin River Road and the west side of Lake Crescent, Clallam County Public Utilities District distribution systems manager said.
Power was expected to be out until about 10 p.m., Purvis said.
Both lanes of the highway were reopened near Milepost 208 at 12:48 p.m.
“There were minor injuries, and there were power lines down,” said Trooper Krista Hedstrom, State Patrol spokeswoman.
Richards was traveling eastbound in the loaded logging truck owned by Dilley and Soloman Logging Co. of Forks.
He was following a 1990 Lincoln Towncar driven by Walter Sherer, 76, of Ocean Shores.
Sherer applied his right turn signal and moved to the right side of the road, according a report filed by Trooper Allen Nelson late Monday.
Richards had slowed the logging truck to about 50 mph when Sherer turned left in front of him, the report said.
Richards braked, veered to the left and crashed into the driver’s side door of the Lincoln, the report said.
The truck left the north side of the roadway and crashed into the power pole.
A second power pole fell as a result of the tension in the wire.
Sherer’s car spun 360 degrees and came to rest clear of the roadway.
He was transported to Forks Community Hospital with sore muscles.
Sherer was cited for making an improper turn, according to the report.
A spokesperson with Dilley and Soloman Logging Company could not be reached for comment on Monday night.
Both vehicles were totaled in the wreck. No drugs or alcohol were involved in the collision, according to the report.
Both Richards and Sherer were treated and released from the hospital.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
