A tractor trailer erupted into flames after striking a highway barrier on Interstate 435 in Overland Park, Kansas.
It happened on Wednesday, August 16th near mile marker 79 at approximately 11 a.m.
The truck was heading west on I-435 when it veered off the road and crashed head-on into a barrier wall, severely damaging the rig and causing it to burst into flames. Overland police say the driver may have had a medical emergency behind the wheel, local KSHB news reported.
Dan Bowkley, a truck driver who drove past the wreckage, had this to say about the crash:
“Just saw a pretty bad truck wreck in Kansas City, on the westbound side of I-435 around mile marker 79. Looks like the truck clipped a Jersey wall with his right steer. Ripped the steer axle and right fuel tank off and caught fire. Left about a quarter mile trail of flames. The driver and his dog were both rescued and seemed more or less unhurt. Looks like 435 west will be closed a while, and probably the bridge overhead until they inspect for heat damage.”
The driver reportedly suffered only minor injuries in the crash and refused medical care. His dog also made it out of the wreck alive.
My wife just helped a man and his dog from a burning truck on I-435 westbound at 69 hwy. pic.twitter.com/EGtZ0rJOnM
— John Henning (@envelopespot) August 16, 2017
Kansas DOT officials say the westbound lanes of the interstate will be closed until at least 10 a.m. on Thursday.
A traffic camera captured the moment of impact on video, which can be seen below.
