Semi-truck Rolls on I-8 Near Avenue 3E, One Seriously Injured

A semi-truck rolled onto its side in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8 near the Avenue 3E exit in Yuma Monday morning, prompting the Yuma Fire Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety to respond and close the roadway for several hours. AZDPS told local crews the truck struck a pole on the right shoulder, and at least one person was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities on scene and local reporters placed the crash before or around 8 a.m. AZDPS and KYMA reported the truck overturned and hit the pole near the Avenue 3E exit, while field video and photographs captured crews working amid scattered produce. KYMA, citing AZDPS, said “the semi-truck was loaded with cabbage,” while Arizona’s Family described “thousands of pounds of leafy greens scattered off the side of the highway,” reporting the rig as a sem i hauling lettuce.

Rescue crews called in technical rescue resources because the cab suffered heavy damage and the driver was initially trapped. Arizona’s Family wrote, “Video from the scene showed thousands of pounds of leafy greens scattered off the side of the highway while the driver was pinned under the truck.” The Yuma Fire Department posted on Facebook, “Strong teamwork and communication by all units ensured a safe and successful rescue.” KYMA’s on-scene updates recorded the evolving situation: “The reporter says the driver of the semi-truck is still inside, but says the westbound lanes on I-8 are back to normal,” later noting, “According to a reporter on scene, the driver is out of the truck.”

The crash snarled eastbound traffic and forced detours for commuters and commercial traffic. A KYMA reporter observed eastbound traffic detoured to the 16th Street exit while westbound lanes at times moved slowly; ADOT, cited by Arizona’s Family, said “the eastbound side of the freeway [was] closed from about 10:45 a.m. until nearly 2 p.m.” The multi-hour closure required tow and recovery crews to secure the scene and remove spilled cargo before reopening ramps and lanes.

Medical transport details differ in early reports: KYMA and AZDPS said one person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, while Arizona’s Family reported that “Once the driver was freed, they were flown to a Phoenix-area hospital, where they are currently being treated.” Investigators have not released a cause for the rollover, and the Yuma Fire Department, AZDPS and ADOT are the primary agencies expected to provide follow-up details on cargo verification, the injured person’s condition, and the crash investigation.