HAMMOND, Ind. (CBS) — A UPS semi-truck drove off a bridge on the Indiana Toll Street and caught fireplace earlier than falling into the Calumet River early Friday – however the driver escaped with solely minor accidents.
Indiana State Police stated simply after 2 a.m., the truck hit the Calumet River bridge and caught fireplace. CBS 2’s Kris Habermehl stated the truck dropped in between the east and west lanes. By 11 a.m., a part of the truck had indifferent and fallen into the water.
One other a part of the semi was later saved suspended by a crane.
Hammond fireplace and scuba crews have been contacted as a result of responders feared the driving force, a 32-year-old resident of south suburban Lansing, was within the river and presumably trapped within the cab. However he was discovered after about 20 minutes clinging to a bridge help the place he was rescued and transported to St. Catherine’s Hospital for therapy of non-life-threatening accidents.
He has since been launched from the hospital.
As CBS 2’s Marybel González reported Friday night time, it took scuba groups, a number of fireplace departments, and even a hazmat workforce to clear the scene. Cleanup crews have been nonetheless looking the river for particles Friday night time – even in the dead of night.
Longtime investigators stated it was one of many worst accident that they had seen shortly.
“It has been a wild day,” stated Hammond Deputy Hearth Chief Bernie Grisolia. “We see dangerous accidents – however to see one thing like this this morning, it was unbelievable.”
Grisolia’s crew was among the many first to reply.
“The cab was principally within the water. We had fireplace,” Grisolia stated. “It was simply principally a miracle to have anyone survive what we have seen as we speak.”
However the driver solely suffered minor accidents.
“We did a fast search into the cab of the semi-truck, the place they could not discover anybody. The crews began sweeping the water method, on the lookout for the driving force if he was ejected. No luck,” Grisolia stated. “Inside about quarter-hour, we did hear some yelling. He was really hanging on prime of the concrete pillar over there.”
It was unclear Friday night time what prompted the crash, however UPS stated they’re glad their driver is okay.
UPS launched the next assertion: “We’re grateful our driver is secure and that no different autos have been concerned. We’re working with responding authorities on this persevering with investigation.”
In the meantime, cleanup efforts continued by the day and night time.
“When that alarm goes off and also you get the decision, you recognize if somebody’s is looking for assist, you do not actually know till you get on the scene,” stated Lake County, Indiana Hazmat Coordinator Invoice Missal.
The Lake County Hazmat Crew searched the Calumet River for any oil spills. Their first responders stated it was teamwork that made the rescue effort doable.
“To stroll away from this, it was only a blessed day for everybody,” Grisolia stated. “It was a miracle.”
We did attempt to get in touch with the driving force to get his aspect of this harrowing story, however we have been unable to succeed in him.
We’re informed the cleanup efforts will resume Saturday morning alongside the Calumet River.