I-64 accident impedes traffic for 11 hours

Crawford County: Friday morning at 8:17 a.m. a semi tractor trailer rolled over and blocked the eastbound lanes of I-64 at the 82.5 mile marker.

The investigation revealed that Roger L. Smith 55, Evansville was driving a white, 2007 Kenworth semi-tractor trailer eastbound on I-64 at the 82.5 mile marker. The roadway was ice covered and very slick. Smith was driving too fast for the icy conditions and lost control of the Kenworth. The Kenworth rolled onto its side and came to rest blocking the eastbound lanes.

Smith was trapped inside the semi and had to be extricated. He was taken by ambulance to the Harrison County Hospital for treatment of internal injuries.

The semi tractor trailer owned by Belmont Freight Corporation out of Evansville was loaded with rolls of paper. Crews worked for approximately 10.5 hours transferring the load of paper from the over turned semi to another semi to be hauled away.

Traffic in the area was affected for approximately 11 hours as the scene was investigated and cleaned up.

Due to the icy road conditions and the lanes being blocked several other crashes and slide-off’s occurred in the area as motorists attempted to slow down for the wreck.

Smith was cited for traveling too fast for the conditions.