Forklift crashes into viaduct

Traffic snarled on M-53, truck driver issued citation for unsecured load

 

IMLAY CITY — The M-53 railroad viaduct, just south of E. Third St. in Imlay City claimed another victim last week after a tractor-trailer semi loaded with forklifts failed to make it under the railroad crossing safely.

According to Imlay City Police Chief Brett Selby, a semi-truck hauling five Hi-Lo forklift machines struck the viaduct around 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Investigation into the incident revealed one of the forklifts was not secured on the flatbed trailer and fell off the trailer after the driver went over a bump in the road.

“The forklift shifted and fell off the trailer,” Chief Selby said. “It proceeded to slide north in the turn lane of M-53 and slid all the way just north of the intersection with E. Third St.”

The sliding forklift fortunately missed a large number of southbound cars during the Friday rush hour.

“We were really lucky no vehicle was hit or more importantly, that no one was injured,” Said Chief Selby. “It could have been a real disaster with a whole different outcome had it struck a vehicle.”

According to Police Chief Brett Selby, railroad officials were contacted to stop all trains until the integrity of the bridge could be inspected and confirmed safe.

Traffic was not only backed up on M-53 in both directions, as a result of the incident, but also throughout the downtown area of Imlay City.

No injuries were reported and Imlay City firefighters responded to the scene and washed the area down from leaking fluids.

Police issued a citation to the driver of the semi for having an unsecured load and also sent a bill for cost recovery of the incident of under $1,000 to the trucking company.