Milk tanker truck driver killed after losing control on soft shoulder

Indiana State Police (ISP) say that a tanker truck driver lost his life in a single-vehicle rollover crash on the Indiana Toll Road over the weekend.

The crash occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, in Steuben County, Indiana.

ISP says 61 year old Michigan-based truck driver Stephen Robert Downs was hauling a bulk liquid tanker trailer filled milk eastbound on I-90 near mile marker 151 when, “for an unknown reason the semi-tractor ran off the edge of the road onto the soft shoulder.”

Troopers say that Downs attempted to correct but lost control. The truck and tanker trailer rolled over onto the driver’s side in the median, causing “extensive damage” to the vehicle.

When police arrived at the scene, Downs was trapped inside the truck and was unresponsive. Because of the heavy damage to the truck, rescue crews were initially unable to extricate Downs.

Downs succumbed to his injuries and passed away at the scene.

No other injuries were reported.

Following the crash, ISP says that about 4000 gallons of milk and 100 gallons of diesel fuel spilled, forcing the closure of the eastbound and westbound lanes for two hours.

ISP says alcohol use is not a suspected factor in the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.