Tractor-Trailer Falls Off Overpass Onto Roadway; 4 Hurt

ire blowouts are all too common on Illinois roadways. If they occur while you are driving a car alone on a wide stretch of roadway, you can often navigate your vehicle out of danger without causing a collision. But if a blowout happens to a larger vehicle in tight quarters, the potential for disaster soars. The possibility even exists for a spectacularly dangerous accident.

It may be hard to believe, but a simple tire blowout is believed to be the cause of a tractor-trailer falling off of a Tazewell County overpass onto a road below. According to Illinois State Police, the semi, which was hauling frozen foods, was traveling westbound on I-474 between Creve Coeur and Marquette Heights about 5pm on Friday evening. The driver was attempting to pass another 18-wheeler on the overpass over Route 29 when one of the tires on his rig blew out. That caused the tractor-trailer to swerve left into the south side of the overpass. As a result, the trailer tumbled onto Route 29 below, striking two vehicles in the process (although the cab remained on the overpass).

The driver of a minivan on Route 29, a 37-year old Pekin woman, was injured. A 35-year old female car driver (who lives in Dumfernline) was also hurt as were two passengers in her vehicle. All of the injured were transported to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, and all are reported to be in stable condition.

Even though the semi driver is not expected to be cited in connection with the semi accident, he will still likely be held primarily or completely responsible for the injuries that occurred as a result of the falling trailer. In addition, his employer could also be named as a defendant in any personal injury lawsuit filed by the accident victims; because Illinois law says that all companies are responsible for the actions of their employees.