Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, March 16, 2012
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Eastbound Interstate 70 was closed on Indianapolis’ east side this morning after a fiery crash that left a tractor-trailer driver in serious condition.
The crash happened just after 3 a.m. at I-70 near Post Road.
The driver, Marcus Moore, 51, of St. Louis, told police that one of his tires blew, causing him to swerve off the road, hit a guard rail and strike an overhead interstate sign post.
Two Seals Ambulance medics were driving behind the truck and witnessed the explosion.
Moore was able to free himself from the truck by cutting his seat belt. The medics found him in a ditch and pulled him away from the flames.
"I heard a big old explosion, and I looked outside out the back and I seen this semi burst into flames," said James Wingo, who lives near the crash site. "I told (the medics) the guy was crawling out of the fire. So I ran over there, they ran over there and we pulled him, because it was still exploding and stuff, so we tried to get him away from the explosion."
The truck was hauling a highly combustible resin solution, which ignited in the crash.
Twenty-five Indianapolis fire units were dispatched to the scene. The fire was under control within 40 minutes, said Capt. Rita Burris.
Moore was airlifted from the scene to Wishard Memorial Hospital with severe burns.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Westbound lanes were reopened. Eastbound lanes remained closed while debris was removed from the scene.
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