Westbound I-80 Closed In Joliet, Semi Driver Rescued

JOLIET, IL — Members of the Joliet Fire Department rescued a 50-year-old semi-trailer driver Monday traveling along Interstate 80 after his cab dangled over Houbolt Road. The semi driver was taken by ambulance to St. Joe's hospital, according to Joliet Fire Chief Greg Blaskey.

The incident happened around 12:05 p.m. Fire Stations 6 and 7 rushed to the scene. The incident caused police to shut down all westbound traffic along Interstate 80 at Larkin Avenue.

"Upon arrival, crews found the driver was still in the cab and only the weight of the trailer was keeping the cab from falling onto Houbolt Road," Blaskey indicated.

Blaskey said the Joliet Fire Department's Tower 6 was placed over the top of the cab and assisted the driver from the cab and into the basket.

The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to Ascension St. Joe's in good condition, the chief said.

The Joliet Police Department announced at 1 p.m. that all lanes of Houbolt Road were shut down near the Interstate 80 exits, and westbound I-80 is also shut down at Larkin Avenue.

"Please consider a detour and avoid the area," police advised.

The Illinois State Police are investigating the incident.