A truck driver lost his life when he lost control of his vehicle in Milan, Illinois.
It happened early Wednesday morning around 3:18 a.m. near the I-280 overpass at Airport Road.
Milan police arrived at the scene where one responder told WQAD News 8 that he saw a “big ball of fire.” Police officers believe that the semi was already on fire, heading east on 1-280 when it veered off road, traveled down an overpass embankment, hit a guardrail and continued to burn after crashing onto Airport Road.
The damage was extensive.
The semi’s trailer remained smoking for hours after its flames were extinguished.
Crews worked to clear the scene of debris.
The driver’s name has not yet been released pending notification of the family.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Traffic was re-routed while Airport Road at I-280 was temporarily shut down.