Cal OSHA investigating Soberanes Fire injury

An accident involving a water tender operator during the Soberanes Fire is being investigated, according to California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Cal/OSHA would not elaborate on the accident but said an investigation into Industrial Defense Development Inc. was opened on Sept. 15 after one of its employees was injured on Sept. 11.

The U.S. Forest Service said the 60-year-old water tender driver, was driving on the west side of the fire when his vehicle rolled about 300 feet down a steep embankment.

The service said he was seriously hurt but was flown to Natividad Medical Center and is reported to be in stable condition with rib and internal injuries.

Crews said the accident was first reported by fire personnel at about 8:43 a.m. along North Coast Ridge Rd. While a helicopter was launched, the U.S. Forest Service said four fire line medics, an extrication team and a hotshot crew responded on the ground.

Industrial Defense Development has two locations in Groveland in Tuolumne County and another in San Luis Obispo County.

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.