LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The semitruck owned by Sysco Foods, crossed the 95-year-old Clark Memorial Bridge and was left hanging off the edge after police said it was involved in a four-vehicle crash, skidding off the side but holding tight.
Are semitrucks allowed to travel across it?
“At this time, we would expect that it would still be able to carry commercial truck traffic in downtown Louisville. It is an important connection, but certainly, we will evaluate that,” James Ballinger, a highway engineer with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said.
Ballinger said the bridge would be closed for an inspection.
The Louisville Fire Department and first responders were at the scene in just three minutes.
In 40 minutes, firefighter Bryce Carden started rescuing the driver from the dangling truck.
“You see crashes on the Second Street Bridge from time to time but nothing like what you see behind,” Noah Stinson said.
The recovery effort caught the attention of sightseer's like Stinson. He and others were on Louisville's 4th Street Wharf.
"I feel like they need to do something about widening the bridge or make it like one lane each way," Stinson said.
Mayor Craig Greenberg said two other people involved in the crash were taken to UofL Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
"Please keep them and their families in your prayers this afternoon and evening," Greenberg said.
Louisville Fire Chief Brian O'Neill shared how his team have been prepared through training and how they were concerned about the recovery effort.
"What if it slips? What if it falls? If it doesn't hold still we then would have to transfer to a dive rescue, so we had our rescue divers on hand ready to go," O'Neill said.
While it's not clear at this time which direction the semi was traveling, safety remains top priority.
Ballinger said his team won't know what will need to be done until after the inspection.
"Once we see the results of the accident investigation we will take a look at that and examine and see if any changes need to be made," Ballinger said.
The bridge will remain closed until KYTC works to assess the damage on the scene and make sure it's clear for safe traffic again.
LMPD told WHAS11 the driver in the semi has minor injuries and will be okay.