A late afternoon accident on Friday, April 7 claimed the life of one motorist and caused massive traffic back-ups in the east end of Oakdale.

According to Oakdale Police Department Public Information Officer Janeen Yates, an older model Ford Mustang, westbound on Highway 120, collided with an eastbound big rig tractor trailer near the intersection of Highway 120-108 at South Stearns Road.

A Chevy pick-up, apparently also westbound, said Yates, struck the vehicles and had major front end damage.

The female driver of the Mustang, whose identity had not been released pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced dead at the scene. Yates said the big rig driver and the driver of the pick-up were not transported.

“Traffic was being diverted eastbound, Stearns to Sierra and westbound, Wamble to Sierra,” Yates said of having to re-route the heavy Friday early evening traffic. “The accident is still under investigation, as to the cause,” Yates said at the scene Friday evening.

The crash occurred about 4:45 p.m.

“Oakdale Police officers are assisting CHP officers with the investigation,” Yates added.

The big rig cab was at an angle, off the roadway just east of Stearns with the trailer on the shoulder, while the Mustang was in the middle of the roadway near the turn lane for Stearns. The pick-up truck was also sideways in the road, at the highway and Stearns.

Look for additional information in the April 12 issue of The Leader.