HAILEY, Idaho (KLIX) – Highway 75 was closed for about two hours late Monday afternoon as crews worked to clean debris from a garbage truck that had rolled.

The incident happened about 4:10 p.m. when Salvador Valencia, 41, of Hailey was driving north in a 1996 International Clear Creek Disposal truck and swerved to avoid hitting a motorcycle whose driver had quickly braked due to a black Jeep that turned without signaling.

Valencia swerved right onto to the soft shoulder to avoid a collision, attempted to counter correct, lost control and flipped the recycling truck, according to the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office. The truck ended up lying on its passenger side across the north and partial southbound lanes of travel.

Refuse and oil spilled across the roadway, causing Highway 75 to shut down while crews worked to clean up the mess. Deputies rerouted traffic at Buttercup Road south and McKercher Boulevard north.

Neither driver of the black Jeep nor motorcycle remained at the scene. Valencia was seen by Hailey EMS for minor scrapes on his left arm, according to the sheriff's office, but refused medical transport. He was cited for traveling too closely.

“Given the circumstances, we are extremely fortunate that this accident did not result in severe injuries or fatalities,” Chief Deputy Steve Harkins said in a prepared statement. “Trucks of this size do not stop on a dime. Had the driver been unable to avoid the collision, the result could have been tragic.

“It is extremely important to leave ample following space to the vehicle in front of you. You never know what is going to happen without warning.”

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