Two individuals were critically injured following a semi-trailer rollover incident that unfolded early this morning, causing a significant closure of northbound Interstate 35 in Oklahoma City, as reported by KOCO 5. Sky 5 coverage revealed a chaotic scene where the semi laid on its side, blocking two lanes in a construction area right where I-35 and I-44 converge; this event resulted in a several hours long cessation of traffic on the busy interstate.
Oklahoma City's Fire Department noted that the crash, which occurred around 5:45 a.m., initiated a rigorous extraction operation that lasted about an hour, the two men inside the semi remained conscious and communicative throughout, leading up to their transport to the hospital, their conditions though serious were not specified—OKC FOX reported. While northbound I-35 has been reopened, the eastbound lanes on I-44 were constricted to a singular passage as crews engaged in clearing efforts.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol suggested that speeding could have been a contributing factor in the incident, as per a statement obtained by KFOR, adding that both victims endured non-life-threatening injuries despite the severe nature of the crash. The semi's driver and passenger had been entrapped for approximately two hours before being rescued.
Compounding to the woes of the commuters, the crash happened amid conditions when rain began to fall, potentially complicating the already precarious road conditions, this further raises questions about the interplay between speed and the slickness of the road at the time of the rollover, officials examining the site are still piecing together the various factors that led to the accident—OKC FOX mentioned.
