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Only one driver injured in fiery three-semi crash on I-70
BRAZIL -- A fiery three-semi truck accident Saturday afternoon that produced smoke that could be seen for several miles somehow resulted in only one injury, Indiana State Police at Putnamville reported.
The incident unfolded about 2 p.m. near the 19-mile marker in Clay County as westbound Interstate 70 traffic was slowing or stopping for a nearby road construction project west of the crash scene.
Abid Sibalo, 48, St. Louis, driving a westbound tractor-trailer, reportedly applied the brakes at the last minute, causing the unit to jackknife and strike the rear of another westbound tractor-trailer driven by Deepak Aery, 32, of Ontario, Canada. The second tractor-trailer then struck the rear of a third tractor-trailer driven by Jerry W. Johnson, 65, Milan.
The collisions caused the first two tractor-trailers to erupt in flames that destroyed both units. The extensive fire was extinguished by members of the Posey and Jackson Township Fire/Rescue Departments.
The westbound I-70 passing lane was reopened at 5:35 p.m., while driving lane clean-up required several more hours.
Sibalo was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment of what were believed to be non-life threatening facial, head and back lacerations and general complaints of pain.
Sibalo was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision. He was driving for LTL Systems Inc., Bridgeton, Mo., and hauling dry goods.
Aery and Johnson were injured in the accident. Aery was driving for Ontario Inc. of Canada, hauling meat, while Johnson was driving for Hill-Rom Logistics, of Batesville, hauling hospital equipment.
The crash was investigated by ISP Master Trooper Chip McKee. Assisting at the scene were ISP Det. Angie Hahn, Trooper Ted Robertson and Sgt. Joe Watts, Clay County Sheriff’s Department officers, INDOT, CARE EMS, Lambert’s Towing, AAA Towing, Durr’s Towing and Republic Trash Removal.
