Log Truck Accident causes Traffic Stoppage

For several hours traffic came to a complete halt on highway I-20 near the 154 exits. An accident involving an empty log truck and an 18-wheeler caused traffic to stop on both sides of the highway.

Police say the log truck came on to slow traffic and in an effort to avoid collision with passenger vehicles, the truck changed lanes but unfortunately collided with another 18-wheeler.

“When the truck driver made that lane change, he struck a single cab 18-wheeler. When they collided, it caused the empty log truck to jackknife and hit the concrete median”, explained Sgt. Heather Luebbers. “It busted the concrete median. When it hit the median, it then hit another 18-wheeler that was in the eastbound side”

When the trucks collided, fuel was spilled onto the highway. MDOT has been working to layout sand that helps to soak up the gasoline.

“Because of the accident, there was a lot of diesels spilled on the interstate, so we did have firetrucks come out, and also MDOT is on scene putting out sand to keep the roads from being slick”, stated Sgt. Luebbers.

The accident happened around 12 this afternoon, MDOT is hoping to get traffic back moving by this evening.

“What I’m being told by officers on the scene is westbound lanes are open now. There is one lane open on the eastbound side and they are hoping to have both lanes on the eastbound open between 5 P.M. and 6 P.M. tonight”, said Sgt.

Passenger vehicles were hit with debris from the concrete median. Police say injuries were minor.