A big rig collision closed Highway 132 west of Modesto Tuesday morning.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of one big rig was headed east near Stone Avenue when he looked down for a moment and allowed the truck to cross the center line.
The big rig sideswiped another big rig, left the road, hit some trees in an orchard on the north side and overturned.
One driver suffered minor injuries.
"As scary as the crash looks, we're fortunate the injuries weren't worse," officer Eric Parsons said.
The highway was closed between Hart and Dakota roads, and it could be hours before it reopens completely, Parsons said. Two truck operators are on scene evaluating the damage.
Officials opened one lane of 132 by 11:45 a.m., but they might have to close the highway completely again to remove the big rig once the cargo is offloaded. The tractor trailer was hauling frozen cookie dough. The dough had to be off-loaded before the big rig, which lost an axle, could be towed away.
About 40 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from the truck.
The big rig also swiped a Modesto Irrigation District power pole; MID workers responded to the scene and examined the pole and lines. They determined that no damage had been done.
Authorities closed the highway between Hart and Dakota roads before reopening it in one direction about 11:45 a.m. and fully two hours after that.
A second, brief closure took place about 4 p.m. after the truck was righted and prepared for towing.
