Semi Goes Off I-40 Overpass Near Shawnee

Staff and Wire Reports

SHAWNEE, Oklahoma -- A semi-truck went off an Interstate 40 overpass onto Highway 177 near Shawnee Sunday afternoon.

No cars were hit on Hwy 177, though several drivers were stalled until crews cleared the roadway. The semi-truck was carrying oranges.

Passing drivers were able to help the two men in the truck get out safely before the rig caught fire.

Troopers said the driver was headed east on the highway when he coughed and could not catch his breath. The truck ran off the road into the median, struck a guardrail and then fell onto the highway below and struck a bridge pillar.

The driver, 42-year-old Leroy Ward Jr. is listed in critical condition. The passenger, 34-year-old Ruben Pinnix,  is listed in serious condition. Both men are from North Carolina.