A GMC Hummer crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a gas tanker Friday on State Route 67 in Poway, seriously injuring one person, spilling a small amount of fuel and forcing a temporary closure of the roadway.
The crash was reported about 5:30 a.m. less than one mile north of Poway Road, according to the Poway Sheriff’s Station.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Saleem Payman said the Hummer was traveling southbound when the driver lost control, crossed the center median and struck the fuel tanker, which was traveling in the opposite direction.
The Hummer driver, whose identity was not released, was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency crews, sheriff’s Lt. Sean Gallagher said. The driver was taken to a hospital with a head injury.
The driver of the fuel tanker reported minor pain but did not require medical treatment, authorities said.
County Hazardous Materials teams responded to the scene after a minor fuel leak was discovered from the tractor portion of the tanker truck, sheriff’s officials said. The leak did not involve the tanker trailer itself and was quickly contained, with no further environmental impact, authorities said.
State Route 67 was closed in both directions for several hours while crews worked to clear the scene and complete the cleanup. The roadway fully reopened about 11:30 a.m., sheriff’s officials said.
The Poway Sheriff’s Station Traffic Unit was continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has additional information was urged to call the Poway Sheriff’s Station at 858-513-2800.