Wickliffe, KY. (December 8, 2020) – Troopers with Kentucky State Police, Post 1 are investigating a collision involving two semi trucks that is blocking a highway in Ballard County. Monday night around 10:45 p.m., Post 1 dispatch received multiple calls regarding a collision between two semi trucks on KY 286 near the New York community and one of the trucks is on fire. Initial investigation shows Steven R. Smith, 41 of Marble Hill, Missouri was traveling west on KY 286 and operating a 2016 Freightliner semi tractor trailer. For unknown reasons, Smith left the right shoulder of the roadway, overcorrected, and crossed the oncoming lane before overturning and coming to rest, blocking both lanes of traffic. A 2021 Peterbilt semi tractor trailer, operated by Tirell T. Crear, 24 of Magee, Mississippi, was traveling east on KY 286 and collided with the overturned Freightliner. After colliding with Smith’s semi truck, Crear traveled off the left side of the roadway and caught fire. Crear was able to exit the vehicle, but sustained severe burns. Crear was flown to Vanderbilt Medical Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee for treatment of his injuries. Smith was transported to Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky for treatment of his injuries.

KY 286 is currently shut down at this time and motorists are asked to detour via US HWY 60. Kentucky State Police was assisted on scene by the Ballard County Sheriff’s Office, LaCenter Police Department, Wickliffe Fire Department, Blandville Fire Department, Ballard County EMS, Ballard County Emergency Management, and the KY Department of Transportation.

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