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Both drivers extricated after pickup, semi collide
Two people were airlifted by Care Flight helicopters to Phoenix-area hospitals Tuesday after a pickup and semi truck collided near Wellton.
David Rodriguez, spokesman for the Wellton Fire Department, said firefighters were dispatched to the intersection of Avenue 36E and Highway 80 at about 10:50 a.m. for a two-vehicle injury collision in which both drivers were still trapped inside their vehicles.
“I would swear that intersection is cursed,” Rodriguez said. “We have had so many accidents there over the years, including two fatalities. ”
The accident involved a 1989 Peterbilt semi truck, which was completely crushed and lying upside down with fuel leaking onto the ground and on the driver. A 2002 GMC pickup was about 70 yards from where the wreck occurred, and its cab was completely crushed.
“The semi truck driver's legs and hip were pinned and he was hanging upside down with fuel leaking on him,” Rodriguez said. “When the semi truck hit the pickup, it smashed the cab all the way over to the driver's side.”
Rodriguez said firefighters extricated both drivers, who were the only occupants of their vehicles. Firefighters assisted Tri-Valley Ambulance paramedics in treating the drivers and prepping them for transport.
Landing zones were made for the helicopters, and once when they arrived, Rodriguez said firefighters helped paramedics load the patients, who were complaining of leg and chest pain. Both patients were flown to Phoenix due to the extent of their injuries.
According to witnesses, the GMC pickup failed to stop at the stop sign on Avenue 36E and pulled out in front of the semi truck. The semi-truck was loaded with some type of manure. Both vehicles were totaled.
The Wellton Police Department, Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Tacna Fire Department, Yuma County Public Works and the US. Border Patrol also responded to the crash.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.
