NOVATO (CBS SF) – A large drill rig carrying hundreds of pounds of crushed cars overturned on Highway 101 in Novato early Friday, scattering piles of debris along the lanes heading north and south.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the single vehicle accident occurred at 1:27 a.m. on Highway 101 near De Long Ave. when the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

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The truck crashed into the guardrail that divided the lanes, overturned the trailer of the vehicle and tipped its load over two lanes in both directions.

The impact also pierced the truck’s gas tank and spilled fuel at the scene of the accident.

At 4:55 a.m. the CHP reported that lanes 1-4 were closed to the south and that traffic was passing on the hard shoulder. In the north, lanes 1-3 were closed, traffic on lane no. 4 was continuous.

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The driver suffered minor injuries in the crash.

At 10:44 a.m. all lanes to the north were released again. The CHP said lane # 1 was closed to the south.

Motorists heading south have been advised to expect delays and to use an alternative route. Caltrans crews cleared up the debris, cleaned up the fuel and made temporary repairs to the guardrail.

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The CHP advised drivers to look for alternative routes – from Lakeville to Highway 37 to Highway 101 – to avoid the scene of the accident.

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