Driver dead after crashing into semi truck hauling rockets in low visibility
One truck driver is dead after a crash involving two other semi trucks during low visibility due to a grass fire.
The accident happened at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 26th in Monroe County, Arkansas on Interstate 40 near Brinkley.
According to WREG 3, a semi truck hauling materials “military in nature” stopped on the roadway due to low visibility caused by a grass fire. This sudden stop caused a crash between two other commercial vehicles, killing one of the drivers.
We are aware of the ongoing incident on I-40 in Monroe County and are working with local, state, and federal officials to keep drivers and residents safe.
— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) August 27, 2024
While we work to resolve this situation, use Highway 70 for eastbound travel and Highway 64 for westbound travel to keep…
An ARDOT spokesperson says that the first semi truck was hauling materials for the military, prompting Department of Defense officials to arrive at the scene around 3:15 a.m. to evaluate two stacks of rockets.
The incident forced officials to divert traffic at Exit 202 and Exit 216, and traffic was still backed up as of Tuesday morning. Officials say that the westbound lanes of I-40 are expected to be reopened sometime on Tuesday, August 27th. There is no estimated time of reopening for the eastbound lanes.
No further information has been released.
#UPDATE A good sign toward I-40 W eventually reopening in Monroe County. A sheriff’s deputy let a tow truck through the on ramp before closing it again. #ARnews https://t.co/2Ect7APqkQ pic.twitter.com/XZQLGGiuxp
— Neale Zeringue (@NealeZeringue) August 27, 2024