Gravel truck flips, driver hurt E. of Terrebonne

A truck driver was taken to St. Charles Redmond with non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday after his gravel truck overturned on NW Smith Rock Way east of Terrebonne, spilling the load and blocking the road for hours, Crook County sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies were dispatched shortly after 2 p.m. to the crash on Smith Rock Way near Lambert Road, about five miles east of Terrebonne, said Deputy Mitch Madden.

A Del Barber Excavation semi towing a belly-dump trailer rolled onto its side, blocking the westbound lane Madden said, noting that it “was leaking a substantial amount of diesel fuel and oil.”

An investigation found that the driver, Steve DeRock, 63, of Redmond, was heading west and negotiating a sharp corner near the intersection when the rig left the road and rolled, spilling the load of gravel. Madden said, adding that “the investigation indicates that speed is a contributing factor in the crash.”

DeRock was taken by Redmond Fire and Rescue ambulance to St. Charles Redmond. No citations have been issued, Madden said.

Smith Rock Way was closed into the late afternoon while Rogers Towing removed the semi truck and trailer, Madden said.

Other agencies who assisted included Crook County Fire and Rescue, the Crook County Road Department and SMAF Environmental.