in Northwest Indiana remain closed after a semi-truck caught fire, crashed off of a bridge and dangled between two overpasses into a river below, officials say. Sandra Torres has more.
Westbound lanes on Interstate 90 in Northwest Indiana remain closed after a UPS semi-truck caught fire, crashed off of a bridge and dangled between two overpasses into a river below, officials say.
According to Indiana Toll Road authorities, the accident occurred around 2 a.m. Friday in the westbound lanes of I-90 at mile marker 6. Officials say the driver, pulling an empty trailer, struck the center median wall an flipped over, falling off the bridge and landing in the Calumet River.
"The trailer remained perpendicular, hanging off the bridge in between the east and westbound lanes," officials said.
Photos and video from the scene show a burned semi truck dangling off a bridge, with part of the truck dipped into the shallow river.
As a result of the crash, the trailer caught fire, officials said.
Authorities say emergency crews were able to rescue the male driver, who was "found clinging to a bridge support," and transport him to a nearby hospital. According to UPS officials, no other vehicles were involved, and the driver was released from the hospital with minor injuries.
Eastbound lanes have been opened up, but westbound lanes on I-90 in Hammond remain closed, officials say. Westbound traffic is being diverted at the Cline Ave. exit.
According to officials, a crane removed the truck and trailer from the water and the bridge.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly> Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
