| Ammunition truck overturns on I-44 |
By: Darrell Todd Maurina
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Posted: Friday, March 5, 2010 8:34 am
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Firefighters secure the scene of an ammunition truck rollover on Interstate 44 at mile marker 148.0.
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HAZELGREEN, Mo. (March 5, 2010) — A semi truck carrying ammunition rolled over on westbound Interstate 44 at mile marker 148.0 shortly before 6 a.m., but all lanes are now open and firefighters say danger to the public is now minimal.
The driver has been hurt, and following extrication, was transported to an area hospital. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers are on the scene of the crash but have not yet issued a report, so the driver’s name, medical condition, and the cause of the crash have not yet been released.
Hazelgreen firefighter Michael Garrett, the assistant public information officer for the Hazelgreen Rural Fire Protection District, said the truck was carrying small-caliber ammunition; Capt. Ann Price said she’s not sure where the ammunition was scheduled to be delivered since the rollover caused enough damage to the truck’s cab that firefighters were unable to recover the truck’s manifest.
Initial reports proved to be correct that at least one of the truck’s fuel tanks had ruptured, but Garrett said firefighters disconnected all of the truck’s electrical systems, meaning that the truck and its ammunition no longer pose a threat.
The truck careened at least 25 feet up an embankment and knocked down numerous trees, tearing them out of the ground and knocking them down onto the roadway. When the truck came down the embankment, it rolled onto the driver’s side and crushed a state sign for mile marker 148.0.
Hazelgreen firefighters responded to the crash with backup from Tri-County firefighters from Richland and Waynesville firefighters. Rothmund’s Towing initially came to the scene and Jack’s Towing personnel followed, but Price said managers from the truck’s owner, DTS Truck Division of Wentzville, will be coming to the scene to offload the cargo before tow company personnel can pull the truck out of a roadside ditch.
Jack’s Towing personnel will be returning later in the afternoon to remove the truck, and Price said the interstate will be shut down for a brief period to remove the semi truck.
While firefighters have left the crash site, they've put up cones and emergency tape. Price said law enforcement personnel are continuing to monitor the area due to the sensitive cargo.
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THIS ARTICLE: Ammunition truck overturns on I-44
Posted: Friday, March 5, 2010 8:34 am
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