Semi-truck crash Indiana Toll Road

HAMMOND, Ind. (CBS) — A UPS semi-truck drove off a bridge on the Indiana Toll Road and caught hearth prior to falling into the Calumet River early Friday – but the driver escaped with only minor injuries.

Indiana Point out Law enforcement stated just just after 2 a.m., the truck strike the Calumet River bridge and caught fireplace. CBS 2’s Kris Habermehl said the truck dropped in among the east and west lanes. By 11 a.m., component of the truck experienced detached and fallen into the water.

A further element of the semi was later retained suspended by a crane.

Hammond fire and scuba crews were contacted mainly because responders feared the driver, a 32-12 months-aged resident of south suburban Lansing, was in the river and perhaps trapped in the taxi. But he was found just after about 20 minutes clinging to a bridge assistance where by he was rescued and transported to St. Catherine’s Hospital for remedy of non-daily life-threatening accidents.

He has since been introduced from the medical center.

As CBS 2’s Marybel González claimed Friday night time, it took scuba teams, numerous fire departments, and even a hazmat crew to obvious the scene. Cleanup crews ended up nevertheless browsing the river for particles Friday night time – even in the dim.

Longtime investigators mentioned it was just one of the worst accident they experienced seen in a although.

“It really is been a wild working day,” claimed Hammond Deputy Fire Main Bernie Grisolia. “We see negative mishaps – but to see a thing like this this morning, it was unbelievable.”

Grisolia’s crew was among the first to respond.

“The taxi was basically in the h2o. We had fireplace,” Grisolia reported. “It was just generally a wonder to have any person survive what we have seen right now.”

But the driver only endured slight injuries.

“We did a speedy look for into the taxi of the semi-truck, wherever they couldn’t obtain any one. The crews started off sweeping the drinking water way, searching for the driver if he was ejected. No luck,” Grisolia reported. “Within just about 15 minutes, we did listen to some yelling. He was really hanging on top of the concrete pillar about there.”

It was unclear Friday night time what brought about the crash, but UPS explained they are glad their driver is ok.

UPS released the pursuing assertion: “We are thankful our driver is harmless and that no other autos have been concerned. We are operating with responding authorities on this continuing investigation.”

Meanwhile, cleanup attempts continued via the day and evening.

“When that alarm goes off and you get the get in touch with, you know if someone’s is calling for support, you really don’t genuinely know until finally you get on the scene,” claimed Lake County, Indiana Hazmat Coordinator Bill Missal.

The Lake County Hazmat Team searched the Calumet River for any oil spills. Their very first responders stated it was teamwork that built the rescue effort feasible.

“To wander away from this, it was just a blessed working day for everybody,” Grisolia stated. “It was a miracle.”

We did consider to get in get in touch with with the driver to get his facet of this harrowing tale, but we were unable to get to him.

We are advised the cleanup attempts will resume Saturday morning along the Calumet River.