Driver arrested after crashing semi
FORD RIVER TOWNSHIP — A driver is in jail after a semi tractor-trailer accident that happened early Saturday morning in Ford River Township.
Deputies from the Delta County Sheriff’s Office say a 37-year-old downstate man was arrested after crashing his semi into the ditch off M-35 South near the Breezy Point Bar shortly before 1:30 a.m. The driver had crossed the center line while entering the ditch, causing the rig to jackknife.
The tractor-trailer collided with a retaining wall, resulting in the rupture of one of its fuel tanks. Police say an estimated 25 to 30 gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the ground. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality was contacted and will conduct an investigation into the spill.
The driver was arrested for operating under the influence of drugs. He is lodged at the Delta County Correctional Facility. His name is being withheld pending arraignment in Delta County District Court. The semi, which was hauling castings, was removed from the scene around 6:00 a.m.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by Michigan State Police from the Gladstone Post, Escanaba Public Safety, the Ford River Volunteer Fire Department, and Gene’s Towing and Recovery.