A tractor-trailer rig experienced mechanical failure, reducing southbound traffic in Oklahoma
The rig’s driver, Patrick McCormick, said the driver of an escort car behind him reported, “We’ve really got sparks now,” about the same time he felt resistance and came to a stop in front of the city of Muskogee’s visitor center.
The 139-foot-long tractor-trailer was traveling about 10 mph when the incident occurred. McCormick was heading to Dallas with a 153,000-pound die cast machine that makes aluminum transmissions for Honda vehicles. There were no injuries.
A device that ensures that the trailer remains in position broke, causing the trailer to drag on the ground, McCormick said. Traffic was backed up beyond Pilot Travel Center at 3000 N. 32nd St.
Workers from Morgan Towing and Recovery responded only to find out that they needed heavy-duty cranes, Nik Morgan said. Morgan called Cook Construction and Crane Service of Fort Gibson who brought in two Terex Telescopic Boom Truck Cranes.
Cook employees placed orange straps on the rear of the machine and blue straps on the front. Morgan said the combined weight of the straps could lift 280,000 pounds.
The plan was to lift the machine and set it down at the visitor center, half on the driveway and half on the ground, Morgan said.
“This will keep the die-cast machine from sinking into the ground and not completely block the driveway,” he said.
Once the load was removed, Morgan said, he would take the trailer to his yard for repairs and probably come back to put the machine back on the trailer.
Reported By: Mark Hughes at (918) 684-2908 or [email protected].
