A fiery crash involving a semi-truck has caused significant disruption in Saskatoon's north end, leading to the closure of a major roadway. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, prompting police to issue an advisory at 7:31 a.m. regarding the crash at Circle Drive and Millar Avenue.
The collision, involving a semi-truck, blocked the east and westbound lanes on Circle Drive. Images shared with Global News depicted the semi-truck engulfed in flames. The fire was reported at 7:04 a.m. and was extinguished by 8:03 a.m., according to the City of Saskatoon.
The city confirmed that the semi-truck and its trailer unit had struck a light standard, causing the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the truck's occupant was able to exit safely. Traffic was rerouted via Venture Crescent to bypass the incident.
The City of Saskatoon stated that it is responsible for fixing the downed signage, as it falls within its jurisdiction. Sanding trucks were sent to the location, and drivers were advised to adjust their speed due to potential icy conditions.
Witnesses, including Clair Andreas and Zach Robertson, described the scene. Andreas, who works at a nearby gym, heard the crash from the front desk and described it as very loud, with no smoke initially, but later, the flames were over 10 feet high. Robertson, another gym employee, initially thought the scene was under control, but soon after, the situation became chaotic, with gym-goers rushing to see the incident. He noted the strong smell of burning plastic and expressed hope for the driver's well-being.
The incident highlights the importance of prompt response and coordination between emergency services, as well as the potential impact on local traffic and residents.
