Semi trailer rollover restricts Hwy. 126 for hours

An overturned semi-truck trailer hauling food blocked a lane of Highway 126 for several hours Tuesday morning, and authorities said the crash occurred when the driver was distracted while eating.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched shortly before 2 a.m. to the reported rollover crash involving a double-trailer semi on Highway 126 near milepost 103, west of Redmond and east of the Dry Canyon, said Sgt. Kevin Dizney.

Investigators learned the truck, driven by Randy Albright, 53, of Redmond, for Food Services of America, was heading east when the rear trailer went off the pavement. The driver tried to move back into the travel lane, but the two tires on the passenger side of the rear trailer blew out, causing it to roll onto its right side, Dizney said.

The trailer came to rest blocking the eastbound lane and partly blocking the westbound lane, as the tractor and first trailer stayed intact and upright. Albright was not injured.

Dizney said the truck was carrying food items and there were no hazardous materials involved.

The investigation determined the driver was distracted while eating, which allowed the rear trailer to drift off the roadway. Dizney said no driver violations were noted, and Albright was operating within his allowed time limits.

The highway was limited to one lane of travel, with flaggers, until the trailer was removed and ODOT left the scene around 8:30 a.m.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Oregon State Police, ODOT and Davis Towing out of Sisters.