News #5 Runaway Truck

A runaway asphalt truck crashed into a house and overturned yesterday, starting a fire and knocking out power in El Cerrito, Berkeley and Richmond.

The driver of the 10-wheeled hauler, an unidentified San Jose man, is listed in serious but stable condition at John Muir Medical Center as both of his legs were broken as he ejected from the vehicle, said El Cerrito police Detctive Sgt. Shawn Maples.

Maples said he was one of the first rescue workers to arrive at the scene shortly after the accident which occurred at 1:30 p.m, and was able to pull the driver to safety after hearing cries coming from the truck and the house.

"We dragged him out in a heartbeat while the truck went up in flames. I just wanted to get him out of there," he said.

A car that was hit by the truck was so badly smashed and rescue workers had to peel the roof of the car to free the driver trapped inside.

A sport utility vehicle carrying a man and a boy was sent into the bushes beside the smoldering house; another vehicle, an electrician’s truck, ended up Richmond Street.

"First, I thought it was a major earthquake. This is unbelievable," said Ruben Sharma, who lives across the street from the house destroyed by the fire.

Sharma, who was on his way back to work when the accident occurred, left his yard littered with bricks, broken glass, car parts, and splintered wood.

The condition of the other drivers and the residents of the home on Moeser Lane are unknown.