(MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.) A semi truck rolled over and caught fire early Monday morning in northwest Indiana, temporarily shutting down eastbound lanes of the Indiana Toll Road.
A semi truck carrying potatoes rolled over and caught fire early Monday morning on the Indiana Toll Road near Westville, Ind. No injuries were reported. / photo from Indiana State Police
The 2006 Volvo semi carrying a load of potatoes rolled over and caught fire about 3 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of the Toll Road near U.S. 421 in Michigan City, Ind., according to Indiana State Police.
The semi, owned by MGBR Logistics of west suburban Broadview, was driven by Andrzej Kudlacik, 31, of northwest suburban Streamwood, according to a statement from Indiana State Police.
Kudlacik said a deer ran out in front of the semi, causing him to swerve to the left, police said. The semi went off the roadway, hit the concrete barrier wall and rolled onto its left side.
Kudlacik was able to get out of the vehicle before it became fully engulfed in flames, police said. Debris and grass in the median were also on fire.
The fire was put out by 4:15 a.m. by the Westville Fire Department, but a HazMat response was called because the fuel tank could have ruptured in the crash, police said.
Kudlacik was wearing a seat belt and was not injured, but was cited for unsafe lane movement.
Eastbound traffic on the Toll Road was diverted for about two hours, but the left lane is now open, according to ISP.
