A collision between a dump truck and a semi this (Wednesday) morning in Council Bluffs caused traffic to be blocked in one lane for more than an hour. According to Bluffs Police, a semi operated by 35-year old Chad Followell, of Garrett, IN., had broken down and was legally parked on the shoulder of Interstate 80 near the South 24th Street exit, with triangular warning reflectors placed on behind the vehicle, as required.

A dump truck, driven by 47-year old Russell Chase, of Omaha, was traveling west on I-80 when he dozed off or passed out, possibly as the result of exhaust fumes entering the cab. Chase said the vehicle has recently had issues with its exhaust. The dump truck collided with the parked semi, resulting in minor injuries to Followell, who was on the passenger side of his semi’s tractor, 46-year old Shawn Smith, of LaPorte, IN., a passenger in the semi who was in the semi’s sleeper compartment, and Russell Chase.

Each of the individuals complained of pain but refused medical treatment. Chase was cited for Failure to Maintain Control. The right lane of I-80 westbound was closed for about 90-minutes, and while it has since re-opened, work was continuing Wednesday afternoon on the shoulder of the road.