A truck driver’s GPS is to blame for directing his truck, carrying a full load of drywall, down the hairpin turn of 20th Ave s.w. and 21st Ave s.w. around 6 p.m. on Oct. 12.

The s-turn proved too sharp for his rig, its massive load shifting precariously downhill and lifting some of its rear wheels completely off the ground before he came to a stop.

The cargo bulged on the downhill side of the trailer, testing the limits of the cam straps that were holding everything in place.

His final destination, Home Depot, was within eyesight of the accident.

“Hopefully next time they’ll put up a sign (at the top of Holden St. before the s-curves begin) that says, “No Trucks”,” the driver, who asked not to be named, said.

He was transporting the drywall from Rainier, OR to Home Depot on Delridge Way when he encountered construction that forced him away from the original route.

His GPS unit recalibrated and sent him westbound on Holden St. towards the dreaded hairpin turns.

Police blocked traffic above and below the accident while the driver and Home Depot discussed their options. As night began to fall, every idea from unloading the truck in its current perilous position to backing all the way up 20th Ave to bringing in a tow truck were mulled over.

Police said they would stay put until the situation was resolved.

People who live on the corner were unanimous in their lack of surprise over the accident, relaying several tales of past accidents and the telltale sound of crunches and pops as big rigs bottom out negotiating the tight turn.

“I call this the stupid corner,” bystander John Michael said. He lives on the outside of the s-turn.

For Michael and his family, watching drivers try to navigate the corner has become somewhat of a hobby.

“In the winter, we sit on the deck with hot toddies (and watch),” he said.