Sonora, CA…Tuolumne Road is closed Between Soulsbyville Road and Black Oak Road. Westbound Tuolumne Road is being directed to Soulsbyville Road and eastbound Tuolumne Road is being directed to Black Oak Road. Estimated time of opening is approximately today at 12:00pm.

At approximately 5:40 am, Stacy Hightower, a 46-year-old male from Tuolumne, was riding his 2016 Victory Vegas motorcycle westbound Tuolumne Road west of Soulsbyville Road at 45 mph. at that same time, Dimitrios Postolu, a 57-year-old male from Sonora, was driving a 2000 Peterbilt 3 axle truck in combination with a 2 axle semi trailer on eastbound Tuolumne Road west of Soulsbyville Road at 45 mph. A 3 point buck ran into the westbound lane. Mr. Hightower was unable to avoid the deer as it ran directly in front of him. Mr. Hightower was ejected to the north shoulder. The Victory slid to the left, into the eastbound lane, directly into the left front of the Peterbilt. The Peterbilt was pulled to the left, into the westbound lane. Mr. Postolu regained control and brought the Peterbilt to a stop in the eastbound lane. The collision caused the motorcycle to become fully engulfed in flames. The Peterbilt’s fuel tank was ruptured in the collision, causing fuel to spill in the lane. Recognizing the fuel source in close proximity to the burning motorcycle, Mr. Postolu’s quick thinking moved his truck farther east and away from harm.

Mr. Hightower suffered minor injuries as a result of this collision. Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected to be a factor in this collision. The diesel has resulted in a Hazmat and we are awaiting the arrival of the clean-up crew. We will provide updates as the clean-up process continues.

Thank you to Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department for your assistance with traffic control and CalFire with your assistance in attempting to contain the diesel