Crews cleaned up fiery semi-truck, both lanes of I-70 EB back open

A crash on interstate 70 blocked traffic in the eastbound lanes in Cooper County Thursday night and early Friday morning.

Crews worked for more than seven hours to clean up the fiery semi-truck crash. All lanes are now back open.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a semi-truck came to a stop on one eastbound lane of I-70 late Thursday night behind an abandoned car. Another semi-truck hit the semi-truck from behind. Both semi-trucks overturned and caught fire.

An official with the Cooper County Fire Protection District said a pick-up truck broke down and blocked the driving lane. ABC 17 News spoke to a man who said he was the driver of the pick-up truck. He said a deer ran in front of him, and he swerved to avoid it before his left hub snapped. He said his wife was following in her car behind him, so the two put out halogen lanterns and diverted traffic before he heard one of the semis crash into another.

According to an official with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, one of the semis was carrying flammable gas.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report shows both drivers, 38-year-old Michael McCoy of Richmond, Mo and 53-year-old Jesse Leach of Springfield, Mo were taken to University hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

McCoy and Leach were both wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The crash happened just before 11 p.m. near exit 106. Photos and videos sent to ABC 17 News show vehicles on fire.

The highway patrol did not have any information on citations issued because the crash is still under investigation.

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