ST. JAMES, MISSOURI — A tractor-trailer driver was airlifted to a trauma hospital Tuesday evening after crashing into bridge pillars near the 172 mile marker, leaving the driver trapped and prompting a multi-agency response.

DRFPD and Phelps Health EMS were dispatched at 5:47 p.m. for a reported tractor-trailer crash with a possible fatality and entrapment. Responding units included Chief 601, Rescue Pumper 6614, Pumper 6610, Brush 6618, and Brush 6638, with mutual aid requested from Rolla City Fire due to the seriousness of the incident.

^{Photo credit: Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District}

Chief 601 arrived first and located a heavily damaged tractor-trailer with one occupant entrapped. Officials said the driver was still alive but suffering from traumatic injuries. Crews extricated the driver in 11 minutes, and the patient was later flown by helicopter to a trauma hospital for treatment.

The truck reportedly caught fire initially, but bystanders extinguished the flames using a fire extinguisher before crews arrived.

^{Photo credit: Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District}

Following the rescue, responders addressed a large fuel and oil spill, which was quickly contained. DRFPD said the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MODNR) was contacted and has already begun coordinating site cleanup.

A MoDOT bridge inspector responded and determined the bridge did not suffer damage as a result of the crash, officials said. The tractor-trailer was reported to be fully loaded with Press ’N Seal plastic wrap.

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