Leaky Semi Load Causes Damage to Dozens of Vehicles on Indianapolis’ Southwest Side

Indianapolis, IN – Earlier this morning around 7:15 the Indiana State Police began receiving reports of a semi tractor-trailer dropping scraps of metal all over the interstate. The debris spanned a large area beginning on the ramp from I-70 westbound to I-465 northbound on the city’s west side, to Washington Street. Troopers quickly responded to the area and immediately closed the ramp due to the debris, but not before an estimated 40-50 vehicles received flat tires from driving through the metal. Trooper Luke Berrier was able to locate the semi just north of the interchange at the Washington Street Exit. Upon further investigation, it was determined the rear tailgate on the trailer was not properly secured and had opened while the semi was driving. The trailer was loaded with shredded scrap metal.

The driver of the semi, 54 year old Jeffrey Patterson of Greencastle Indiana, was operating a 1995 Peterbilt, pulling a 2016 dump style trailer. Indiana State Police Federal Motor Carrier Inspector, Master Trooper Rob Hawkins, conducted a full level 1 inspection of the vehicle. The driver was cited for insecure/leaky load and released. There were other Federal Motor Carrier Violations found on the vehicle and are listed on the report, however no citations were issued for those violations.