Driver injured after 18-wheeler overturned on Highway 61 North. Traffic halted as wreckage is cleared

A driver was injured after his 18 wheeler overturned on Highway 61 North at Redwood Road around 4:30 a.m. Friday. Traffic in the area has come to a standstill and is backed up for a mile or more while the scene is being cleared.

An 18-wheeler veered off the roadway Friday morning and overturned in the brush. (Photo by Marcus James)

The truck was traveling the southbound lane when it veered off into the brush and overturned. County first responders worked to pull the man from the truck. The driver was freed and taken by ambulance for treatment. The extent of those injuries are unknown at this time.

First responders worked to free the driver from the cab of the vehicle. (Photo by Marcus James)

A witness who was traveling behind the truck says the driver of the 18-wheeler was allegedly “trying to dodge a deer.”

The driver allegedly veered off the roadway in an attempt to avoid hitting a deer, according to a witness. (Photo by Marcus James)

As of 8 a.m., numerous emergency vehicles were in the area to help control the traffic situation around the scene.  Traffic has been halted for safety.  The location of the wreck creates a potentially hazardous condition.

Please avoid this area if possible while crews work to safely clear the scene.