Stopped traffic for Ukiah school bus hit by jackknifing big rig

A big rig driver jackknifed his rig late Monday afternoon in northern Ukiah after trying to stop quickly to avoid traffic waiting for a school bus, a Ukiah Valley Fire captain said Tuesday.

The rig hit three vehicles but not the bus, which was carrying students. The 4:50 p.m. crash left two people with minor injuries and caused a traffic mess for homebound commuters along North State Street, Capt. Peter Bushby said.

The bus had been heading south from Calpella when it pulled up to a bus stop, south of the crest of a hill. Vehicles then lined up behind it, Bushby said.

The rig driver, carrying a load of gravel, came over the hill and found the vehicles in his path. He slammed on his brakes to try and stop, Bushby said.

Traffic was impacted in both directions. Emergency responders were on the scene for about 45 minutes.

The CHP was investigating the crash.