Laurel resident Tim Hedin was at work in Billings when a semi‑truck loaded with produce left Interstate 90, crossed the median and careened down an embankment onto his property. The truck ripped through a fence, knocked down several trees and scattered produce across the yard, but miraculously missed the family home and an RV parked nearby.
Neighbors hear the crash
Gus Nieto, who lives across the street, heard the vehicle jackknife and tumble onto the embankment. “We heard the truck come off the road and almost hit the house,” Nieto said. He and other neighbors rushed to the scene to make sure everyone was safe.
Driver’s condition unknown
According to Travis Williams, who knows the truck’s owner, the driver sustained bruises but appeared to be okay. “I think he’ll be fine,” Williams said, adding that the driver’s exact condition has not been confirmed by the Montana Highway Patrol.
Cleanup effort
First responders removed the tractor portion of the semi and pulled the truck off the hill. Crews then lifted the trailer onto a flatbed and began clearing the produce, which will be taken to a landfill. “It’ll go into one of my side‑dump trailers and we’ll throw it away,” Williams explained.
Community relief
Both Hedin and Williams expressed gratitude that no one was injured and that the house escaped damage. “It was a blessing how little got damaged,” Hedin said. “I’m just glad no one was hurt and the house wasn’t hit.”
Authorities
While the Montana Highway Patrol has not released an official report, witnesses say the semi was traveling east on I‑90 before crossing into the westbound lanes and descending the embankment. The incident underscores the importance of road safety on Montana’s highways, especially for large commercial vehicles.
Looking ahead
Local officials have not announced any changes to road signage or safety measures at the crash site, but community members hope the incident will prompt a review of the area’s safety features. In the meantime, residents are relieved that a potential tragedy was averted.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
