Semi full of corn overturns at 19th and Washington

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A load of corn was spilled at the corner of 19th and Washington streets Friday in Blair after a semi-tractor trailer overturned.

The accident happened at about 9 a.m. Blair police and Blair Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.

BPD Capt. Travis Lyon said the semi was south on 19th Street, turning east when the load shifted, causing the truck and trailer to overturn. Lyon said speed is a possibly a factor in the crash and citations are pending.

“Almost 22 years and this was the first grain truck I've seen overturn at this intersection,” Lyon said. “This was a new one for me.”

Joe Peleska, who operates an insurance office just down from the accident scene, heard the crash.

“We knew exactly what it was when we heard it,” he said.

Peleska helped the driver out of the semi. The driver was treated at the scene. He was not transported.

Mathiesen Grain was also on scene with a grain vac to clean up the corn before the semi could be righted.

The intersection was expected to be closed for some time during the cleanup.