Chesterton/Porter County-A rolled over semi blocking three lanes on I-94 west bound at State Road 49 (SR 49) caused major traffic headaches for five hours until the semi was removed.
Preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Jeff Council revealed that at approximately 9:15 a.m., this Friday morning, a 2007 Volvo semi-tractor, owned by 3399 Cab Corporation out of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, pulling a box trailer was north bound on SR 49 when it exited to the ramp to go west bound on I-94. The semi, driven by Igor Obrevko, 49 of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, was travelling too fast to negotiate the curve as it approached I-94. The semi and trailer rolled onto its left side blocking all three west bound lanes of traffic. The trailer was loaded with 33,000 pounds of liquid methyl salicylate (non-hazardous and used as a fragrance, in foods and beverages, and in liniments) packed in ten metal totes.
Upon inspection of the semi by Motor Carrier Inspector Larry Koebcke it was discovered that the ten metal totes were not secured causing the load to shift when Obrevko took the ramp too fast.
Obrevko was cited for insecure load and speed too fast to avoid collision. He was taken to Saint Francis Alliance in Chesterton for non-life threatening injuries.
Traffic got by on the inner shoulder until approximately 2:00 p.m. when all lanes west bound were reopened.
Pictures are of the rolled over semi and metal totes
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