Northbound I-57 at Kinmundy Reopened Sunday Morning After Fire, Crash

Northbound I-57 north of the Kinmundy exit has reopened following a fiery crash of a semi into the Union Pacific bridge over the Interstate.

Kinmundy-Alma Fire Chief Kevin Day says the incident began when one of three utility tractors being transported by the semi caught fire.   The fire distracted the driver and he crashed into a bridge support of the Union Pacific Bridge.   The cab of the truck caught fire as a result of the fuel tank rupturing.   Day reports the driver of the truck was able to get out safely.

The fire on the trailer spread to a second utility tractor before firemen were able to get that part of the fire out.  A third was saved.

Day says the Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific Railroad have both inspected the bridge and do not believe it sustained any significant damage that would keep it from being utilized.

The crash occurred at 1:30 Sunday morning.   The northbound lanes of I-5 7 were opened around 7:45 Sunday morning.   During the closure traffic was detoured on Route 37 between Kinmundy and Farina.