Semi overturned by high winds on I-74, driver sustains non-life threatening injuries

Photo from Illinois State Police.

Illinois State Police have released more information about Wednesday morning’s scene on I-74 near Galesburg where high wind speeds caused a semi-truck to overturn.

The truck being driven by 42-year-old Lanie S. Anderson of Des Moines, Iowa was hauling a trailer when wind gusts caused her to lose control and roll before the truck came to a rest on its side.

Anderson’s truck was reportedly blocking traffic at Mile Marker 40 for 3 hours but has since reopened.

“Semi trucks especially, or any other large vehicle, are what we call ‘high-profile vehicles,'” says Trooper Jason Wilson, Illinois State Police District 7 Safety Education Officer.  “That means something that stands fairly tall; and, when it gets broadsided by a 60- to 80-mile-an-hour wind gust, nothing good ends up happening from that.”

Police determined that it was too dangerous to set the overturned semi upright and have it towed because of the dangerous wind speeds.

Anderson was transferred from the scene with non-life threatening injuries to OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

ISP says no charges are expected to be filed.

A second semi, being driven by 67-year-old Carl E. Anderson of Cincinnati, Ohio drove into the west ditch immediately following, although his vehicle remained upright.

Police were able to move the truck off the roadway and say it will be recovered at a later time.

Assisting on scene were State Police, Knox County Sheriff’s Department, Woodhull PD, and Henderson Fire.

ReCENT POSTS

Loading...