Semi Crash Backs Up Traffic on Interstate 72

A Rochester, Illinois truck driver is injured and ticketed as a result of a semi crash on Interstate 72 east of Hull just after 5 a.m. Wednesday.

The Illinois State Police reports 46 year old Douglas Sutton was westbound around mile marker 13 when he fell asleep at the wheel. The UPS truck he was driving ran off the road, overturned and caught fire.

A passenger in the tractor-trailer, 36 year old Martin Mateer of Kincaid, enlisted the help of passing motorists to get Sutton out of the cab.

Sutton was airlifted to Blessing Hospital in Quincy for treatment. Mateer refused treatment at the scene.

Sutton was cited for driving while fatigued and improper lane usage.

Traffic was blocked on westbound I-72 for about an hour while emergency crews cleared the scene.

A UPS spokesperson said they’re working with local authorities on the investigation and to assess the state of packages on board. Shippers whose packages were affected will be contacted. You can also track your package at ups.com.

ORIGINAL STORY

Traffic was backed up for a time on Interstate 72 in Pike County early this morning.

According to eyewitness reports, a westbound semi left the north side of the road overturned and caught fire around mile post 13 east of Hull about 5:30 this morning.

Traffic was backed up in the westbound lanes for nearly an hour while emergency personnel cleared the scene.

Fire personnel from Barry and Hull-Kinderhook were on scene, along with Pike County Ambulance, Pike County Sheriff and Illinois State Police. A medical helicopter was also observed at the scene.