Trucker chokes on chicken, passes out, crashes
ALBANY, Ore. -- A trucker choked eating some chicken and passed out, allowing his truck to crash on Interstate 5 south of Albany on Wednesday -- the second semi truck crash between Eugene and Albany of the day.
The first (at left) happened early Wednesday morning when a truck loaded with produce went off the freeway near the Oak Grove rest area north of Coburg around 6 a.m. Traffic on I-5 northbound was restricted to one lane until 9:15 a.m.
About three hours later, a trucker from Los Angeles passed out after choking on some chicken.
The truck and semi-trailer traveled across the center median, coming to rest on the opposite median shoulder with the trailer containing tires overturned, according to state police.
The crash did not block traffic, but police and transportation officials urged drivers to use caution through the area.
Police cited the driver, Andrew Quintero, 45, on suspicion of failure to maintain the travel lane.
No injuries were reported in either case.
