I-5 traffic snarled by 2 big rig accidents

One big rig spun out of control and flipped onto its top about 5:20 a.m. Thursday on northbound Interstate 5, north of Delevan Road, and another rig three hours later had one of its two flatbed trailers turn over as the driver tried to avoid traffic slowed by the first crash.

Neither driver was injured in the accidents that closed the right-hand lane of I-5 for the better part of seven hours, and both lanes were closed for a short time, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Justin Puccinelli, 36, of Woodland, was driving a 2007 Freightliner north on Interstate 5 when he started to pass another big rig, the CHP said.

For an unknown reason, Puccinelli allowed the truck to swerve into the center divider. As he turned back onto the freeway, his truck spun 180 degrees, and flipped over.

The truck landed on its top, partially blocking the right lane of the interstate as well as the Delevan Road on-ramp, the CHP reported.

Puccinelli was wearing his safety belt and sustained what was described as minor injuries. He did not require transport to a hospital.

The sheets of aluminum being hauled were spilled along the side of the interstate, as was some diesel fuel, motor oil and coolant.

The CHP reported the fluids were contained to the paved shoulder.

As the final cleanup was being completed, another Freightliner, this one pulling two flatbed trailers, came up on the traffic slowed by the first accident.

The driver, Jason Simmons, 35, of Willows, veered into the closed right lane to avoid a collision and his back trailer flipped onto its side, the CHP reported.

The rig continued for a short distance more before coming to a stop in the right lane, which was closed until 12:45 p.m., the CHP reported.

Both northbound lanes were closed for a short time starting at 10 a.m. as the trailer was turned upright.