I-74 westbound lane open after semi collision

By Eric Heisig

The westbound passing lane on I-74 is now open after being closed early this morning due to an overturned tank truck which sent one man to the hospital.

According to an Illinois State Police press release, at 3:22 a.m. a semi truck was heading west on I-74 tried to use a turnaround to change direction. As the semi was turning, another truck pulling a tanker trailer tried to avoid colliding and swerved. The evasive driver then ended up in a ditch, spilling less than 50 gallons of the mild corrosive substance it was carrying.

Raymond Toulman, the driver of the overturned semi, was taken to Carle Hospital to be treated for injuries. Meanwhile, Raymond Toulman, the driver of the other semi, was issued six citations, including for reckless driving, improper lane usage and disobeying a traffic control device.

Due to the accident, westbound traffic on I-74 west of I-57 was closed for some time. However, there are still workers out there, so the lanes are not completely open. The corrosive has been contained and is now in the process of being removed.