Rock and roll on the interstate

A tractor-trailer driver from Iowa might count himself lucky after escaping major injury from a crash into a rock bluff at the 53.8 mile marker on I-44, Monday, May 23.
Owen D. McDowell, 58, Council Bluffs, Iowa was driving his 2020 Freightliner eastbound on I-44, seven miles east of Mt. Vernon, when he crossed the median, went off the roadway, overturned, and came to rest thanks to an unforgiving rock bluff.
McDowell, who was wearing a seatbelt, had serious injuries and was taken to the nearest hospital by ambulance.
Lawrence County Sheriff Brad DeLay, who was on scene, said the driver was essentially OK, other than a possible broken ankle and a few cuts and scrapes. DeLay added that the driver had no idea what had happened following the impressive collision. (Photo by Ryan Squibb)