Video: Semi Hauling Fireworks Overturns, Catches Fire in IL

June 4, 2021
Crews from multiple departments responded to a fire that erupted when a tractor-trailer carrying fireworks crashed and rolled over along a toll road in Berkeley.

Firefighters tackled a fire that erupted when a tractor-trailer carrying fireworks overturned on an Illinois toll road Friday.

The accident happened just after 3:40 a.m. as a semi-truck was hauling fireworks along the Tri-State Tollway in Berkeley, WLS-TV reports. It's not clear what caused the tractor-trailer to roll over under the St. Charles Road bridge, but the crash ignited the vehicle and its cargo.

Crews from nearby Schiller Park helped Berkeley firefighters by emptying 500 gallons of water on the flames before returning to assist with hot spots, Schiller Park's firefighters union stated in an online update. A foam apparatus from the Chicago Fire Department also was called in to aid with the response, according to that department. 

Raw video captured soon after the crash happened shows intense flames shooting out from under the bridge, while other footage shows firefighters dousing the fire amid road construction materials. Crews worked for a little over an hour to put out the flames, which were under control by around 5 a.m.

The truck's driver was able to escape the cab on his own following the accident. He was taken to the hospital, and his injuries weren't considered life-threatening.

The severity of the accident and the ensuing fire potentially damaged the St. Charles Road bridge. Illinois Department of Transportation engineers were called in to assess the scene and determine what, if any, repairs might be needed. 

All of the northbound lanes for a span of the tollway were shut down for several hours following the accident and didn't reopen until just after 7:30 a.m. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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