SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – On Thursday morning, a tanker truck loaded with fuel overturned on Highway 17, forcing the full closure of the southbound lanes and one northbound lane.
The Santa Cruz tanker truck crash happened near Sugarloaf Road, north of Scotts Valley, when the vehicle lost control and came to rest on its side against the guardrail. Part of the truck slid down a wooded embankment, while fuel was reported spilling across the roadway.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash resulted in minor injuries. Due to the fuel spill, multiple emergency units responded, including the Santa Clara County Fire Department with a hazardous materials team, assisting the Scotts Valley Fire Department at the scene.
Authorities warned that traffic on Highway 17 will remain heavily impacted for hours and urged drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. No timeline has yet been given for when the highway will reopen.
