On March 26, 2020, at approximately 12:41am, McCracken County Sheriff Deputies responded to the 17mm of Interstate 24, regarding an injury collision, involving two semi tractor-trailers.
Investigation revealed Ricardo Contreras, 67, of Donna Texas, was traveling Eastbound in a 2016 International tractor-trailer. Contreras fell asleep while driving and collided with the rear trailer of 2019 Freightliner, operated by Joshua Anderson, 39, of McDonough Georgia. Both vehicles came to rest on the South side of the roadway. Contreras was transported to Lourdes hospital and later flown to an out of state hospital for possible incapacitating injuries.
The contents of Contreras trailer was barrels of herbicide and many of these barrels were scattered along the roadside. The environmental protection agency responded and is currently making arrangements for the proper clean up to take place. A limited number of barrels were damaged and there is no danger to the public, nor is this considered a hazardous incident.
Emergency crews will remain on scene for an extended period of time and it is requested motorist use caution while traveling through the area.
The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Mercy Regional Ambulance, Reidland Fire Department, Department of Emergency Services, The Environmental Protection Agency, and Lent’s Towing.