On Tuesday, June 9, a semi truck hauling wood chips failed to yield to a pair of vehicles stopped on US-23 turning left onto Piper Road in Alpena County, Michigan.
Troopers from the Michigan State Police Alpena Post and deputies from the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene at 11:20 a.m. on Tuesday.
The semi, hauling more than 100,000 pounds of wood chips, was being driven by a 50 year old man from Rose City. Troopers said the semi collided with the first vehicle, causing it to crash into the second vehicle. In order to avoid the collision, the semi-truck driver swerved to the right and then back across the yellow lines and into a side ditch.
The semi crashed into trees on the side of the road, before jackknifing and coming to a rest. A ruptured fuel tank caused diesel fuel to spill. To contain the fuel, booms were deployed and the Department of Environmental Quality was informed of the spill.
The hazmat crew from the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center assisted with the clean up. Crews were on site until 9:15 p.m.
The drivers of the vehicles and semi were all treated and released for minor injuries.
The driver of the semi was cited for Violation of Basic Speed Law- Unable to stop in Assured Clear Distance.
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