A UPS semi-truck went off a bridge and caught fire on a toll road in Hammond, Indiana, and the horrific crash was like a scene right out of a movie.
Indiana State Police said the truck hit the Calumet River Bridge just after 2:00 a.m. It then reportedly dropped in between the east and west lanes of the bridge where it remained wedged for several hours. Part of the truck detached and ended up falling into the Calumet River at roughly 11:00 a.m., according to CBS.
An unreal scene near Hammond after a semi crashed & went over the wall on the Indiana Toll Road, landing in the Calumet River. The Toll Road is closed both ways, so use 80/94 right now. Thanks to CapturedNews for the video. More at https://t.co/vhbRxCcLib pic.twitter.com/WreVvyxil5
— Kris Habermehl (@KrisHabermehl) December 2, 2022
First responders feared the driver may have fallen into the river and or was trapped in the cab of the truck, according to CBS. Hammond fire and scuba crews were called in to assist and the driver was soon located clinging to a bridge support.
Rescue workers were able to reach the driver, who reportedly seemed disoriented. He was rushed to St. Catherine’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries where he received medical care, according to CBS. (RELATED: 13-Year-Old Drove Truck Involved In Lethal Highway Crash, Authorities Say)
🚨 #ITRALERT: Incident at MM 6.5. All westbound lanes are still closed. Eastbound traffic can get by in the driving lane. Westbound traffic is still being diverted at Exit 14. Emergency crews are still on scene. Expect Delays, #StayAlert
— Indiana Toll Road (@IndianaTollRoad) December 2, 2022
Crews that remained on-scene worked to ensure the truck’s fuel didn’t leak into the river while the truck was being removed.
The cause of the crash and the full extent of the driver’s injuries remain unknown.
“We are thankful our driver is safe and that no other vehicles were involved,” UPS said in a statement. “We are working with responding authorities on this continuing investigation.”
The story continues to develop.