‘Best-smelling accident ever’ on I-70 caused loss of semi truck, trailer on June 10
(image courtesy of Highland-Pierron Fire Department)
By Charles Bolinger
Editor • Some semi-truck accidents leave liquids behind, like water or beer; others leave objects in their wake, like rubber ducks.
The one that took place on June 10 on Interstate 70 between Highland and Greenville left behind a great aroma, even though the tractor-trail involved was a total loss. What lingered in the air? A mixture of candle scents and perfumes the trailer carried.
According to Jessica Plocher-Zobrist with the Highland-Pierron Fire Department, at 3:39 p.m. that day, crews were dispatched to a fully-engulfed semi truck and trailer. There were no injuries to the driver or any firefighters. With mutual aid called, Marine Community Fire Protection District was first on the scene, having just been on their own call on Interstate 70 to the west.
She said additional mutual aid included City of Highland Fire Department, Grantfork Volunteer Fire Department, Greenville Fire Protection District and the St. Jacob Fire Department. EMS standby and firefighter rehab was initially provided as mutual aid from City of Highland EMS and then taken over by Eastern Madison County Ambulance District – EMCAD.
Nine tenders among the above departments hauled water to the scene to extinguish the blaze. The interstate was shut down for more than two hours for the incident to be controlled and roadway cleaned, she said.
(image courtesy of Highland-Pierron Fire Department)
(image courtesy of the Highland-Pierron Fire Department)
(image courtesy of the Highland-Pierron Fire Department)
