Driver survives highway wreck
Berl Tiskus
A load of Plum Creek lumber was scattered after the rig hauling it ended on its side off Highway 93 near Dayton June 3.
Berl Tiskus
A load of Plum Creek lumber was scattered after the rig hauling it ended on its side off Highway 93 near Dayton June 3.
Berl Tiskus
A load of Plum Creek lumber was scattered after the rig hauling it ended on its side off Highway 93 near Dayton June 3.
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
DAYTON — Truck driver Brian Gilliam crashed the 18-wheeler he was driving into the front yard of two houses off Black Lake Road near Dayton on June 3. Gilliam was not injured in the crash, which happened about 3:30 p.m.
Gilliam, who drives for Mercer Trucking, Spokane, Wash., was heading south on U.S. Highway 93 when he drove the truck off the road on a wide curve. The truck went into the right barrow pit, crossed Black Lake Road, which tees into Hwy. 93, and continued down a steep slope in the barrow pit. After sending fence posts flying, knocking down a four-wire fence and breaking through a leech field, the truck came to rest on its side. The trailer’s load of plywood was scattered across the lawn like giant playing cards.
Kim Knudson, who rents one of the nearby houses, heard the noise and thought it was thunder, but when she stepped outside she saw the truck.
Gilliam, who said he has a three-month baby at home, also said he was headed to Spokane and then on to La Grande, Ore.
Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Brian Casey responded to the wreck.
Gilliam was cited for no seatbelt and using electrical devices while driving.
Casey said the accident is still under investigation.
