A traffic collision occurred today on South US Highway 101 near Willow Road in Menlo Park, CA, involving two vehicles: a white Volkswagen Tiguan and a large truck. The incident was caused by a mattress that had fallen onto the roadway, leading to significant front-end damage to both vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The timeline of events began at 11:52 AM when emergency services received reports of a mattress obstructing traffic. Just a minute later, it was confirmed that the mattress had caused a collision. Emergency units were dispatched promptly at 11:55 AM and arrived on the scene by 11:57 AM.
As the situation developed, debris was noted in the lanes, prompting the California Highway Patrol to escalate the incident from a traffic hazard to a traffic collision. By 12:10 PM, a SigAlert was issued to inform drivers of lane blockages due to the crash, specifically blocking the fifth lane of traffic.
Emergency responders worked diligently to manage the scene and clear the roadway. Both vehicles involved sustained major front-end damage and were towed from the scene. The incident was officially reported as closed by the Freeway Service Patrol at 12:23 PM, with the last unit clearing the area by 1:10 PM.
Drivers in the area experienced delays due to the lane blockage, but the swift response from emergency services helped restore normal traffic flow relatively quickly. Authorities remind motorists to remain vigilant for unexpected hazards on the road, such as debris, which can lead to dangerous situations.
This incident highlights the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to stay alert while navigating California highways.