Driver hospitalized after truck runs off highway

A log truck driver from Terrebonne, Ore., was hospitalized Monday after his truck ran off SR 4 east of Cathlamet and rolled onto its side.

Charles Ron Wilson, 69, sustained cuts and fractures of facial bones. He was airlifted to a Peace Health hospital in Vancouver and underwent surgery, which went well, his son said in a Tuesday Facebook post.

The eastbound truck ran off the highway around 4:48p.m. at the foot of the Abe Creek passing lanes, downed utility lines, took out a guard rail, and spilled its load of logs.

A Wahkiakum PUD responded to rebuild the power lines. Power was out from Rosedale to the Cowlitz County line several hours, and the highway was also closed about eight hours for repairs and accident scene work.

According to the Washington State Patrol, Wilson may be charged with driving while his license is suspended and for speeds too fast for conditions.