Truck driver charged in crash that injured at least 14 on I-55
A Tennessee man has been charged in connection with a Friday morning crash that sent at least five people to the hospital and injured nine others on the Stevenson Expressway.
Mark Tipton, 52, of Crossville, Tenn., was driving a white Freightliner tractor-trailer that struck 12 cars near Summit just before 4 a.m. Friday.
Tipton was driving in the northbound lanes of I-55, just south of First Avenue in Forest View, near Stickney. Tipton failed to stop and caused a chain-reaction crash involving 12 vehicles, police said.
Tipton told police he fell asleep while driving, according to police and court records.
Tipton picked up a load and realized he might not make his destination, so he “kept his foot down,” prosecutors said.
Tipton, who declined medical treatment at the scene, was issued six tickets after the crash, including one for driving more than 14 consecutive hours and one for driving while fatigued.
He was released on his own recognizance Sunday following a bond hearing.
Link to Article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-truck-driver-charged-in-accident-that-injured-14-on-i-55-20150621-story.html