HAMMOND, Ind. (CBS) — A UPS semi-truck drove off a bridge on the Indiana Toll Road 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.
Another 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 motive force, a 32-year-old resident of south suburban Lansing, was within the river and probably trapped within the cab. But he was discovered after about 20 minutes clinging to a bridge assist 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’s been a wild day,” stated Hammond Deputy Fire Chief Bernie Grisolia. “We see bad accidents – but to see something like this this morning, it was unbelievable.”
Grisolia’s crew was among the many first to reply.
“The cab was basically in the water. We had fire,” Grisolia stated. “It was just basically a miracle to have anybody survive what we’ve seen today.”
But the motive force solely suffered minor accidents.
“We did a quick search into the cab of the semi-truck, where they couldn’t find anyone. The crews started sweeping the water way, looking for the driver if he was ejected. No luck,” Grisolia stated. “Within about 15 minutes, we did hear some yelling. He was actually hanging on top of the concrete pillar over there.”
It was unclear Friday night time what triggered the crash, however UPS stated they’re glad their driver is okay.
UPS launched the next assertion: “We are thankful our driver is safe and that no other vehicles were involved. We are working with responding authorities on this continuing investigation.”
Meanwhile, cleanup efforts continued by means of the day and night time.
“When that alarm goes off and you get the call, you know if someone’s is calling for help, you don’t really know until you get on the scene,” stated Lake County, Indiana Hazmat Coordinator Bill Missal.
The Lake County Hazmat Team searched the Calumet River for any oil spills. Their first responders stated it was teamwork that made the rescue effort attainable.
“To walk away from this, it was just a blessed day for everyone,” Grisolia stated. “It was a miracle.”
We did attempt to get involved with the motive force to get his aspect of this harrowing story, however we have been unable to achieve him.
We are instructed the cleanup efforts will resume Saturday morning alongside the Calumet River.