By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Semi driver injured in crash
Placeholder Image
TOWN OF NEWARK - A Monroe man was seriously injured early Friday morning after he crashed a semi carrying more than 42,000 pounds of liquid carbon dioxide.

It took emergency crews an hour and 15 minutes to extract Brian Lamont, 33, from the cab of the semi, according to the Rock County Sheriff's Department. He was taken with serious but non-life threatening injuries to Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center in Janesville.

Deputies' initial investigation shows the 2010 Freightliner was eastbound on Wisconsin 81 approaching South Olson Road at about 3:45 a.m. when Lamont lost control on a slight curve and crossed through the opposite lane of traffic.

The semi traveled along the shoulder of the road until it hit the culvert at South Olson Road, became airborne and landed on the other side of the road. It overturned onto the passenger side and slid about 100 yards, knocking down several small trees and a power pole before coming to a rest facing westward.

"The tank to the carbon dioxide was damaged but there was no leaking of the material," Sergeant Troy Egger wrote in a news release.

Wis. 81 was closed about two hours while crews worked at the scene. No citations have been released, but the crash is still under investigation.

Assisting deputies at the scene were Town of Beloit police, firefighters and EMS and Orfordville firefighters and EMS.