Big-rig collides with stolen sedan and overturns, spilling gas on Hwy 101

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- A man suffered major injuries after the big-rig he was driving collided with a stolen sedan and overturned on U.S. Highway 101 in San Jose Wednesday morning, a California Highway Patrol spokesman said.

Officers responded to a report of an overturned big-rig on southbound Highway 101 north of East Taylor Street shortly after 10:30 a.m., CHP Officer Ross Lee said.

A large tanker truck hauling salt was on a southbound lane and was passed by a Honda sedan, Lee said.

The Honda swerved across lanes to the right shoulder, headed back into traffic and collided with the truck, according to Lee.

The impact caused the truck to jackknife and overturn on its side, spilling a fuel tank of gasoline, Lee said.

Caltrans was called to clean up more than 50 gallons of gas that spilled onto lanes, according to Lee.

The truck driver suffered injuries considered major but not life-threatening and was transported to a hospital for treatment, Lee said.

Soon after the collision, the Honda driver ran away from the vehicle and has not been found as of this afternoon, according to Lee.

Officers later learned the Honda was stolen out of San Jose, Lee said.

Three southbound lanes of Highway 101 were shut down. Two of the lanes were estimated to stay closed until 4 p.m. and the third is expected to reopen around 10 p.m., according to Lee.