Base of Cuesta Grade: Big rig transporting tons of lettuce crashes

A big rig carrying 70,000 pounds of lettuce lost control and slid into a concrete barrier Wednesday on Highway 101 north of San Luis Obispo, snarling afternoon traffic on the Cuesta Grade.

No one was injured in the wreck that happened about 4:20 p.m. as Ray Arauz, 57, of Oxnard was driving south on Highway 101 at the bottom of the Grade, according to CHP officials.

Arauz was traveling about 65 mph in the center southbound lane when he lost control of the truck, which began drifting into other lanes, the CHP said.

He tried to control the truck but could not and smashed into the center divider, CHP officials said.

The truck came to rest in the center of the highway, blocking the fast lanes in both directions, officials said.

Arauz suffered minor injuries and complained of pain but did not seek medical treatment.

No other vehicles were involved in the wreck, which appears to have been caused by speed, CHP officials said.

—Leslie Parrilla