Highway 101 northbound lanes open on Cotati grade after fiery big rig crash

A fiery crash involving a double-?trailer UPS rig and a sedan early Wednesday closed northbound Highway 101 in Cotati for about two hours.

The 3:55 a.m. crash led to a nightmare morning commute with miles of traffic delays on the highway and crowded alternate routes.

The crash occurred at the crest of the Cotati grade, just south of West Sierra Avenue.

Arriving Rancho Adobe firefighters found the two trailers on their sides and flames throughout the cab spreading to the first trailer, Battalion Chief Andy Taylor said. The rig ended up partially on the right shoulder and partially in traffic lanes, with debris littering the highway.

The UPS driver had gotten out and appeared to have minor injuries. He was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

Initial crash reports indicated the rig and a sedan had collided, but how it happened remains under investigation. Information about the sedan and its driver wasn’t available Wednesday.

Caltrans officials responded to inspect the roadway for damage and see whether repaving was needed, and UPS officials came to see if anything could be salvaged, CHP Officer Steve Fricke said.

After the three northbound lanes were closed for almost two hours, the left lane reopened at 5:40 a.m., and crews had the remaining lanes cleared by 11:40 a.m. Heavy-duty tow trucks were brought in to right the trailers.

After the crash, northbound drivers were diverted off the highway at Railroad Avenue, about a half-mile south. As the morning commute kicked in, traffic backed up for miles on the highway, Fricke said. Alternate routes also bogged down, and at least one minor collision was reported from the Highway 101 backup.

Rancho Adobe firefighters doused the truck fire, which spread to nearby grass.