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Semi Strikes NW Indiana Overpass After Driver Forgets To Lower Trailer

LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. (CBS) -- A semi hit a bridge overpass late Thursday in northwest Indiana after the driver forgot to lower its trailer, causing extensive closures overnight on I-94.

The 59-year-old man driving the 2009 Kenworth semi had just dropped off a load of asphalt about 11:35 p.m. at a construction zone on I-94 near the County Road 900 N overpass, according to a statement from Indiana State Police.

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A semi trailer hit a bridge overpass Thursday night in I-94 in northwest Indiana when the driver forgot to lower the trailer after dropping off a load. (Credit: Indiana State Police)

He forgot to lower the trailer before driving off in the westbound lanes, and the raised trailer struck the overpass and overturned, police said. The cab stayed upright.

The man was taken to Saint Anthony's Hospital for complaints of pain after the crash, according to police. He was cited for operating an unsafe vehicle.

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A semi trailer hit a bridge overpass Thursday night in I-94 in northwest Indiana when the driver forgot to lower the trailer after dropping off a load. (Credit: Indiana State Police)

All westbound lanes except for the inner shoulder were closed to traffic overnight, but all lanes have since been reopened, police said. The Indiana Department of Transportation was notified to inspect the bridge.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2016. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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