A big-rig overturned on Highway 101 north of Gaviota on Thursday, sending the driver to the hospital.
A big-rig overturned on Highway 101 north of Gaviota on Thursday, sending the driver to the hospital. The right-hand lane was expected to be shut down for several hours. Credit: Santa Barbara County Fire Department photo

A big-rig overturned on Highway 101 north of Gaviota on Thursday, sending the driver to the hospital, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The crash occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes north of the Nojoqui Summit, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The semi tractor and its empty trailer came to rest on its left side, straddling the metal guardrail.

The male driver self-extricated from the cab, and was taken by AMR ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with minor injuries, fire Capt. Scott Safechuck said.

His name and details on condition were not available.

The right-hand highway lane was expected to remain closed for several hours following the crash, Safechuck said.

The CHP said there was a small leak of diesel fuel from the semi, and about 100 feet of guardrail was destroyed.

Cause of the crash was under investigation by the CHP.

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