CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – A Friday afternoon crash involving a big rig sent a load of logs into Clear Lake.

The crash occurred at 1:35 p.m. Friday, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Kory Reynolds.

Richard Panopulos, 51, of Orland, was driving a 2002 Freightliner with a load of logs eastbound on Highway 20 near Hillside Lane in Clearlake Oaks when he attempted to negotiate a right curve in the roadway, Reynolds said.

As Panopulos was going through the curve his load shifted, causing the trailer to overturn, Reynolds said. As the trailer overturned the truck also overturned onto its right side.

Northshore Fire Battalion Chief Steve Hart was on the scene along with firefighters.

“The load of logs went into the lake,” Hart said.

Hart said there was a small hazmat as a result of the crash, with some oil, antifreeze and about two gallons of fuel spilled. The small spills were contained on the lakeshore, he said.

The California Department of Fish and Game also responded to the scene due to the hazmat situation, the CHP reported.

Panopulos suffered minor injuries and was released at the scene, according to Hart.

Reynolds said traffic control had been in place on Highway 20 while firefighters and officers worked at the scene.

Tow trucks uprighted the truck and removed it, and the scene was cleared by 6 p.m., with Highway 20 fully reopened, Hart said.

CHP Officer Nick Powell is investigating the collision, Reynolds said.

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