A U.S. truck driver was involved in a sudden and serious accident late Monday night on Interstate 70, just outside Columbia, Missouri. The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. and resulted in significant traffic delays, minor injuries, and an active investigation by local authorities.
According to reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident involved a commercial 18-wheeler transporting packaged goods and at least two passenger vehicles. Preliminary information suggests that the truck driver, a 42-year-old man from Indiana, may have lost control of the vehicle due to slick road conditions following a sudden downpour.
Witnesses say the truck jackknifed across multiple lanes after attempting to brake abruptly to avoid a slowing vehicle ahead. “It happened so fast,” said Carla Jimenez, who was driving behind the truck. “One moment everything was moving normally, and the next, the truck started skidding and swerving. It was terrifying to watch.”
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene. Paramedics treated three individuals for minor injuries, including the truck driver, who sustained a shoulder injury. All injured parties were transported to Boone Hospital Center and are expected to recover.
Traffic was shut down in both directions for nearly three hours as cleanup crews worked to clear debris and remove the damaged vehicles from the road. The cargo, which included non-perishable food items, remained intact, though some packages were scattered across the highway.
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the accident. While weather appears to be a contributing factor, officials have not ruled out driver fatigue or mechanical failure. Toxicology tests have been administered as part of standard procedure, though no evidence of impairment has been reported so far.
The trucking company, Midwest Freight Logistics, has released a statement expressing concern for those involved. “Our driver is cooperating fully with investigators,” the statement read. “We are committed to safety and will continue to support local authorities in determining the cause of this unfortunate incident.”
This accident raises fresh concerns about commercial trucking safety, especially during unpredictable weather conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that weather-related crashes account for nearly 21% of all vehicle accidents in the U.S., with heavy trucks being particularly vulnerable due to their size and stopping distance.
Motorists are reminded to drive with extra caution during nighttime and inclement weather and to maintain a safe following distance when sharing the road with large commercial vehicles.
The highway was fully reopened by 3:15 a.m. this morning. No citations have been issued at this time, but the investigation remains ongoing.
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