Leaky semi load damages dozens of vehicles
INDIANAPOLIS -- Around 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, Indiana State Police began receiving reports of a semi tractor-trailer dropping scraps of metal along Interstate 70 in western Marion County.
The debris spanned a large area beginning on the ramp from I-70 westbound to I-465 northbound on the city's west side to Washington Street.
Troopers quickly responded to the area and immediately closed the ramp due to the debris. But that wasn't before an estimated 50 vehicles sustained flat tires from driving through the metal fragments.
Trooper Luke Berrier was able to locate the semi, driven by Jeffrey Patterson, 54, Greencastle, just north of the I-70 interchange at the Washington Street exit.
Upon further investigation, it was determined the rear tailgate on the trailer had not been properly secured and had opened while the semi was moving.
The 1995 Peterbilt was pulling a 2016 dump-style trailer loaded with shredded scrap metal.
ISP Federal Motor Carrier Inspector Master Trooper Rob Hawkins conducted a full inspection of the vehicle.
The driver was cited for insecure/leaky load and released.
Patterson Trucking, owner of the semi, has fully cooperated with the investigation, State Police said.