A driver of a commercial truck drives into the North Platte River after falling asleep on Thursday, April 9, near Sinclair, Wyoming. (H/t WHP)

Driver fatigue is being investigated as the cause of an accident that resulted in a semi-trailer crashing into the North Platte River. The driver and his passenger were traveling on Interstate-80, east of Sinclair, around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, when his 2017 Freight-liner drifted out of the lane of travel near mile post 80 and drove down an embankment into the North Platte River, according to an April 10 release from Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP).

Carbon County Search and Rescue along with officials from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department responded to the scene to contain any hazardous materials and assist in retrieving the semi’s occupants, who only received minor injuries in the crash.

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It is believed the driver fell asleep, per WHP, and he was cited for failing to maintain his lane of travel.

WHP reminds motorists to pull off in a safe, designated area to get some rest if feeling fatigued and to always wear a seatbelt.

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