An accident involving a semi-truck carrying a fully loaded tank of propane caused a shutdown of Highway 101 south last Monday, leaving locals stuck at or unable to get to jobs, as well as impacting visitors to the area.

The only resident in the accident area to be evacuated was Mike Allen who lives right along the highway. He shared the following on the Forks Forum Facebook Page, “I called 911, told them to send everything they had. Before police got there I was able to open the truck door and check on the driver, I gave him my flashlight to make him comfortable.”

Allen also said, “I knew I was risking my life but felt he needed someone there. The police arrived in about 12 minutes and I left, then was told to evacuate at least 1 1/2 miles. It took 21 hours before we were allowed back home.”

Allen said the accident sounded like thunder overhead, “There were several very loud booms, then a pause with more booms. The first booms were his tires hitting my driveway, the pause was when he was air born then more booms when he touched down and rolled over.”

Local fire departments, ambulance crew, and others were on scene throughout the ordeal. The Clallam County PUD was also called out to cut the power to the area as a safety precaution. The road reopened Tuesday early evening.

An overturned semi-truck hauling propane caused a 22 hour closure of Hwy 101 South of Forks last Monday into Tuesday. For a short time Tuesday, during the 4-hour Lake Crescent closure, the detour route, SR 112, was also closed for a short time due to an accident. The Forks Visitor Center was kept busy trying to calm tourist to the area who wanted to get on to their next destination. Photo by Lonnie Archibald