Construction workers injured on Hwy 101 in Petaluma

PETALUMA, Calif. -- Two construction workers were injured when a big-rig struck a bundle of steel rods that hit them while they worked on southbound U.S. Highway 101 in Petaluma early Wednesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The men were working on the Petaluma River Bridge construction project on Highway 101 south of Lakeville Highway around 1:15 a.m., CHP Officer Kerri Post said.

The construction crew was off-loading a bundle of steel rebar rods on a crane. The far left lane of the highway was closed but the second lane was open and a big-rig struck the bundle of rebar when it swayed into the second lane, Post said.

The rebar fell onto both lanes of the highway and into the center divide, striking the two men, Post said.

Vincent Solano, 28, of Santa Rosa, was guiding the rebar on the crane when he was struck by the flying rods. He suffered major injuries, including a broken femur and head lacerations, and was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Post said.

Wayne Reed, 47, of Elk Grove, also was injured and taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Post said.

The big-rig driver, a 42-year-old Sebastopol man, was not injured but the bundle of rebar damaged his vehicle, Post said.

The incident closed the southbound highway lanes for 45 minutes, Post said.