No injuries reported in crash that closed Rte. 176

PRAIRIE GROVE – Police closed Route 176 for two and a half hours this afternoon as crews worked to clear an overturned, empty gravel truck and some trees that were blocking the roadway.

Prairie Grove Police Patrolman Tony Colatorti said the driver of the truck lost control on the wet roadway about 2:13 p.m. just east of Behan Road on Route 176. Armando Lira, 52, of Elgin, was westbound driving a 2007 Mack tractor trailer pulling an empty dump box when the incident occurred.

“The driver said he was just driving and the whole truck started skidding off the side of the road. Apparently it hydroplaned off the road and went into the trees and was actually stopped by a tree,” Colatorti said.

The truck wound up mostly off the road, but trees blocked most of both lanes after the collision, Colatorti said.

Prairie Grove Police and Nunda Rural Fire Protection District responded. Lira, who was driving for a Crystal Lake cartage firm, declined medical attention at the scene. Colatorti said Lira reported that he was going about 50 mph, the posted speed limit, when the accident occurred.

No citations were issued Wednesday, but as is protocol when semi tractor trailers are involved, state police will examine the truck, Prairie Grove Police said. Police reopened the highway about 4:45 p.m. today.