Driver Rescued From Semi-Truck Left Hanging Over Bridge In Oceanside

The driver was trapped inside the tractor portion of the vehicle, which was dangling roughly 70 feet above the ground, officials said.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Crews rescued a driver whose semi-truck crashed and was left dangling over the edge of a bridge early Wednesday in Oceanside, California. The tractor portion of the vehicle was hanging over the side of San Luis Rey Bridge, with the driver trapped inside roughly 70 feet above the ground. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle and removed the driver safely.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that commercial truck drivers can face on the roads, especially when navigating bridges and overpasses. The quick response and technical rescue skills of the Oceanside Fire Department likely prevented a tragic outcome.

The details

The crash took place at 5:07 a.m. on northbound Interstate 5, just south of Harbor Drive. Emergency crews found the tractor portion of the vehicle hanging over the side of the San Luis Rey Bridge, with the driver trapped inside. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle, then removed its rear cab window to safely remove the driver. The driver was not injured.

  • The crash took place at 5:07 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Oceanside Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the incident and rescued the trapped driver.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of commercial vehicle safety and the critical role that first responders play in protecting the public during emergencies on the roads.