Fatal Semi Fire South of Effingham

An interstate ramp south of Effingham has been closed for several hours today due to a semi crash and fire that killed the driver.

Authorities were called to the scene about 2am today. The scene is where eastbound I-70 exits onto southbound I-57, south of the Cross. 

Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes reported the semi hauling dog food caught fire after the crash. Rhodes said further information as to the identity of the driver would be forthcoming.

Effingham Fire Chief Bob Tutko said there was about 300 feet of skid marks on the ramp before the vehicle left the roadway to the left and overturned on the shoulder.

Illinois State Troopers were first on the scene and Tutko said the truck tractor was already fully involved in fire at that point. Firefighters from Effingham were assisted by Altamont Fire District firefighters who responded to the scene with a water tender and personnel. Authorities found the trucker dead inside the cab of the rig. 

Effingham firefighters remained on scene to assist Heartland Towing and Recovery with wreckage removal. Tutko said as is often the case with semi trailers filled with product, there were pockets of fire that they couldn't get to until they cut open the trailer and spread out the cargo in order to completely extinguish the contents. 

Police believe the ramp should re-open over the noon hour.

The Effingham County Coroner's Office is working with the trucking company to identify the driver and notify the next-of-kin.