Semitruck driver veers off highway, falls 30 feet onto road near downtown

Two people remain in the hospital after a semi rolled off an overpass, trapping them inside the truck on I-471 near downtown Wednesday.The incident took place around 3 a.m. after a semi rolled off the northbound I-471 overpass to Columbia Parkway.Police said Vincente Pinto, 53, was driving on a curve when he veered off the roadway and fell 30 feet, landing on Monastery Street.Crews on the scene worked for nearly an hour to free the victims from the wreckage.Pinto suffered serious injuries and was taken to UC Medical Center, where he is listed in serious condition.Salete Bianchi, 55, was in the sleeper berth and was taken to UC Medical Center, with minor injuries. He is listed in stable condition.Pinto was wearing his seat belt.Excessive speed is a factor in the crash, police said. Impairment is not a factor.

Two people remain in the hospital after a semi rolled off an overpass, trapping them inside the truck on I-471 near downtown Wednesday.

The incident took place around 3 a.m. after a semi rolled off the northbound I-471 overpass to Columbia Parkway.


Police said Vincente Pinto, 53, was driving on a curve when he veered off the roadway and fell 30 feet, landing on Monastery Street.

Crews on the scene worked for nearly an hour to free the victims from the wreckage.

Pinto suffered serious injuries and was taken to UC Medical Center, where he is listed in serious condition.

Salete Bianchi, 55, was in the sleeper berth and was taken to UC Medical Center, with minor injuries. He is listed in stable condition.

Pinto was wearing his seat belt.

Excessive speed is a factor in the crash, police said. Impairment is not a factor.