A dump truck rolled over on the Eisenhower Expressway overpass in west suburban Elmhurst on Wednesday afternoon, spilling its load of salt and causing significant traffic snarls.
The incident occurred around 1:20 p.m. when the semi-truck, which was carrying salt, flipped onto its left side on the westbound lanes of I-290 at Illinois Route 83, according to the Illinois State Police. The truck’s trailer was left precariously positioned, partially hanging off the overpass.
Emergency crews swiftly responded to the scene after reports of the crash began coming in just before 1:30 p.m. Troopers arrived to find the truck-tractor dump-trailer overturned, with its cargo spilled onto Route 83 below. Authorities reported at around 3 p.m. from their SkyCam 9 helicopter, showing the scene where crews were working to right the truck as traffic steadily moved around the incident on the limited open lanes.
The state police confirmed the closure of both lanes of Route 83 due to the salt spill, as well as the left and center lanes of westbound I-290. Only the right lane of I-290 remained open for some time during the recovery efforts.
Despite the chaotic scene, thankfully, no injuries were reported from the crash. The cause of the rollover remains unknown, prompting police to carry out investigations to determine what led to the truck losing control.
Although traffic was significantly reduced due to the incident, and multiple lanes were closed off as highway crews worked to clear the situation, the quick response by emergency services ensured the recovery was initiated without delay. Traffic was sluggish but continued to flow past the scene with various traffic management measures put in place.
The situation began to resolve later as the truck’s trailer was secured and restored to its upright position. Nonetheless, as of earlier reports, the overall impact on traffic had been extended due to the nature of the recovery process.
This incident serves as another reminder of the unpredictability of road conditions and the potential hazards posed by heavy vehicle loads. The authorities urge truck drivers to exercise caution and adhere to safety regulations to avoid similar occurrences.
Local officials and the Illinois Department of Transportation are expected to provide updates on the traffic situation moving forward. Drivers are advised to remain patient and attentive as conditions improve and normal traffic patterns begin to return.
With no injuries reported and the cleanup work continuing, the focus remains on restoring the highway to its usual operational state. The precise details surrounding the cause of the crash will soon be clarified as investigations proceed.