'Very Minor Injuries' in 2-Truck Crash that Spilled Dairy Products on Road

A truck driver received “very minor injuries” as a result of a two-truck crash early this morning on I-80 near Minooka, according to Illinois State Police Sergeant Fred Rivera.

The crash occurred at around 5:21 a.m. Tuesday near Minooka at milepost 119 by Minooka Rd. A semitrailer hauling dairy products was parked along the right shoulder of the road.

“The driver was taking a sleep break,” Rivera said. “Technically he’s not allowed to be there because it’s a two hour emergency parking only if you have a problem with your vehicle.”

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The driver of a three-axle box truck heading eastbound on I-80 had fallen asleep at the wheel and crossed the lane and struck the trailer of the truck.

“The trailer ruptured and milk products were strewn all over the interstate and the box truck subsequently flipped onto its side,” Rivera said.

All lanes were initially blocked and traffic traveled on the shoulder until police could respond to the accident.

The trailer parked on the side of the road had two occupants, both of whom were sleeping, according to police. The box truck had only one person inside.

“The passenger of the parked vehicle sustained some very minor injuries and was (taken to the hospital) just for review, but he was conscious and walking around,” Rivera said.

The roads were open again shortly after 9 a.m. The driver of the parked trailer was charged with improper parking on a roadway and the driver of the box truck was charged with driving while fatigued and improper lane usage.