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Saw a semi explode today....

Started by K3 Chris Onwiler, October 05, 2005, 02:52:14 PM

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K3 Chris Onwiler

October 05, 2005, 02:52:14 PM
Craziest thing I've ever seen on the road.  Coming home on I 57 this afternoon, I was a few carlengths behind a semi, rolling up to pass.  Suddenly, smoke began pouring off the roof of the trailer.  This smoke was actually red, and you don't see red smoke often.  I gassed it, pulling alongside the truck, honking, waving and pointing.  By now I could see flames pouring off the roof of the trailer.  The driver got the message, braked, and pulled toward the shoulder.
I was a few carlengths ahead at this point.  All traffic behind must have stopped.  The truck was still rolling about 40 mph or so when the sides burst, spewing fire all over the highway and both shoulders.  The grass in the ditches on both sides caught fire immediately.  No sooner had the truck stopped, then the trailer frame snapped in half, separating the 5th wheel hitch from the rear wheels, and pouring flaming material everywhere!  The driver was out and running as I dialed 911.
It took less than a minute more for the cab of the truck to catch fire.  Thick red, purple and green smoke had all four lanes stopped due to zero visibility.  I made sure the driver was all right, then got my ass out of there!  This whole scene took less than three minutes from first smoke to complete engulfment.  Absolutely unbelievable....
The frame was snapped, the #3 rod was dangling from a hole in the cases, and what was left had been consumed by fire.  I said, "Hey, we've got all night!"
Read HIGHSIDE! @ http://www.chrisonwiler.com

spyderchick

#1
October 05, 2005, 03:37:20 PM
You do realize you probably saved the guys life? Wow...surreal...
Alexa Krueger
Spyder Leatherworks
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www.spyderleatherworks.com
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Do or do not, there is no "try".

K3 Chris Onwiler

#2
October 05, 2005, 03:46:02 PM
QuoteYou do realize you probably saved the guys life? Wow...surreal...
Hadn't really considered that.  Yeah, whatever.  Chalk it up to the years I spent as a CCS corner worker.  That is some SERIOUS training for how to react when things get ugly.  A few years on the corners and stuff like that doesn't phase you in the least.  If a corner worker doesn't have at least one grinding, steaming, flaming yard sale in his corner per day, it almost wasn't worth getting out of bed.... :-X
The frame was snapped, the #3 rod was dangling from a hole in the cases, and what was left had been consumed by fire.  I said, "Hey, we've got all night!"
Read HIGHSIDE! @ http://www.chrisonwiler.com

Team-G

#3
October 05, 2005, 03:51:57 PM
Oh boy,

Sounds like premonitions of  the Formula 40 race this weekend...maybe I should stay home  :o

K3 Chris Onwiler

#4
October 05, 2005, 04:28:25 PM
QuoteOh boy,

Sounds like premonitions of  the Formula 40 race this weekend...maybe I should stay home  :o
Gingerman IS a certain submarine commander's home track....
The frame was snapped, the #3 rod was dangling from a hole in the cases, and what was left had been consumed by fire.  I said, "Hey, we've got all night!"
Read HIGHSIDE! @ http://www.chrisonwiler.com

EX#996

#5
October 05, 2005, 04:33:30 PM
What the heck was he hauling?
Paul and Dawn Buxton

Woofentino Pugrossi

#6
October 06, 2005, 12:54:36 AM
QuoteWhat the heck was he hauling?


Something flammable. ;D
Rob

CCSForums Cornerworking and Classifieds Mod

K3 Chris Onwiler

#7
October 06, 2005, 03:30:48 AM
QuoteWhat the heck was he hauling?
Extra hot beef jerkey! ;)
The frame was snapped, the #3 rod was dangling from a hole in the cases, and what was left had been consumed by fire.  I said, "Hey, we've got all night!"
Read HIGHSIDE! @ http://www.chrisonwiler.com

Jeff

#8
October 06, 2005, 05:12:32 AM
Cool!  :D

Glad everything seemed to work out with no harm to anyone.  Imagine being next to this thing and having it blow up like that... yikes!!!
Bucket List:
[X] Get banned from Wera forum
[  ] Walk the Great Wall of China
[X] Visit Mt. Everest

grasshopper

#9
October 06, 2005, 06:21:35 AM Last Edit: October 06, 2005, 06:22:00 AM by grasshopper
That could explain why 57 was a stopped when I walked out of work yesterday around 4:30. Our parking lot is about 100 yards away from 57.

Where about was the accident Chris? North or south of the Monee exit?

Good going warning the guy K3!  ;)

Jeff

#10
October 06, 2005, 06:36:53 AM
I really need to carry a white-board in my vehicles.  

A quick drawing of a semi on fire and the words "YOU'RE ABOUT TO DIE" would make quite an impact...

Then again so do these:
http://www.roadragecards.com
Bucket List:
[X] Get banned from Wera forum
[  ] Walk the Great Wall of China
[X] Visit Mt. Everest

Team-G

#11
October 06, 2005, 07:00:45 AM
QuoteThen again so do these:
http://www.roadragecards.com

LMAO...gives me an idea for pit board signs  ;D
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