1 Injured in Truck Accident on I-64 in Fairview Heights, IL

Fairview Heights, IL — February 5, 2025, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 6 a.m. on westbound Interstate 64 just east of State Highway 157.

Authorities said a semi-truck overturned for an unknown reason near mile marker 10, crashing onto an SUV.

One person was hospitalized with minor injuries after the St. Clair County crash, according to authorities, but it is not clear if that person was in the truck or the SUV.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I hear about a crash like this, my first question is, “What caused the truck to lose stability?” Many people assume that rollovers happen only in extreme conditions, but in my experience, they often result from factors that could have been avoided with proper precautions.

One of the first things investigators should determine is whether speed played a role. Semi-trucks have a high center of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers, especially if they take a curve too fast or make a sudden maneuver. Investigators should review ECM (black box) data to determine the truck’s speed leading up to the crash and whether the driver was braking or swerving before losing control.

Another key factor is cargo loading. Was the truck’s load properly secured, or did shifting weight cause it to tip over? Improperly balanced cargo can throw off a truck’s stability, making a rollover more likely even at moderate speeds. Investigators should examine loading records to determine whether the truck was within safe weight limits and if the cargo was evenly distributed.

Road conditions should also be considered. This crash happened early in the morning when ice or wet pavement could have been a factor. Investigators should determine whether slippery conditions contributed to the truck sliding or rolling over and whether proper road maintenance was in place.

At this stage, too little is known to say exactly what caused this crash, but that’s why a full investigation is necessary. Looking at the truck’s speed, cargo balance and road conditions will be key to understanding how this wreck happened and whether anything could have been done differently to prevent it.