Gary, Lake County-A semi-truck crashed and caught fire in the early hours this morning causing all west bound traffic to be closed.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Gary Runde and Probationary Trooper James Brasseur revealed that at approximately 1:08 a.m., this morning, December 8, 2015, a 2006 Volvo semi pulling a box trailer, owned by Gramozi Transportation out of Westland, Michigan and driven by Renaldo Adili, 30 of Westland, Michigan, was west bound on I-80/94 at the 7.9 mile marker (this is approximately one mile west of the Grant Street exit) in the right lane when for unknown reasons the semi went off the roadway. The Volvo went off the road to the right hit an impact attenuator and cement pillar, went airborne coming to rest across the right, right middle, and left middle lanes (4 lanes of traffic here) and caught fire under the Chase Street overpass.
Adili was able to get out of his truck before it became fully engulfed. He was not injured. Both the semi and its box trailer loaded with auto parts were a total loss. Gary Fire Department arrived and was able to eventually extinguish the fire.
West bound traffic is shut down and being diverted off onto Broadway. Traffic stuck in between are being turned around and exiting at Grant Street.
Chase Street overpass is closed down until INDOT can assess it for safety due to the damage from the fire. It is unknown at this time how long west bound traffic will be closed at this location-SEEK ALTERNATE ROUTES this morning!! Expect long delays and backups in this area.
Assisting: Senior Trooper Lawrence McFarrin, Troopers Justin Heflin, Carson House, and Andrew Rasala, Gary Fire Department, INDOT and Waffco Towing
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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