An injury accident took place at about 10:45 AM this morning on US 67 in the area of the US 34/US 67 junction south of Monmouth. A south bound semi tanker/trailer left the roadway and struck a power pole. The pole broke, causing power lines to fall and hang just above both the north and southbound lanes of US 67. The tanker contained hot asphalt, which did not leak.
The driver was extricated by firefighters and taken by ambulance to Galesburg, for transfer to a medical helicopter transport to Peoria. The driver’ condition is not known, and the driver’s name is not being released at this time.
The Illinois Department of Transportation is re-routing traffic on US 67 southbound at 11th Street (by Love’s Truck Stop). Northbound traffic on US 67 is being re-routed to the exit ramp for US 34 at the south junction. Eastbound traffic on US 34 at the south junction is being routed through Monmouth.
AMEREN/IP is on scene and there is not an estimated time the roadway will be reopened. Travelers familiar with the local area are asked to seek alternate routes to avoid the road closure.
There were power outages associated with this incident; however, the Sheriff’s Office does not have information on how many homes or businesses were affected.
The accident is being investigated by the Illinois State Police. Agencies who were on scene or assisting were Warren Central Fire District, Monmouth Fire Department, Monmouth Police Department, Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois Department of Transportation. It also noted the Warren County Animal Control officer was in the area just after the accident happened and acted to stop traffic until the arrival of first responders.
***Courtesy of the Warren County Sheriff’s Department***
