Winds overturn semi on I-80

WILLIAMSBURG — Strong winds blew over a semi-trailer truck on Interstate 80 near Williamsburg Friday, March 14.

According to an accident report from the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department, Julio Alberto Fernandez Hidalgo, 40, of Miami, Florida, was driving a semi with attached trailer westbound on I-80 when winds blew the vehicle off the right side of the road near mile marker 218 about 7:20 p.m.

The trailer went into the north side ditch, and rolled on to its right side. The power unit came to rest blocking the outside lane of I-80, the report says.

A passenger, Gladys Reyes, 33, the driver’s wife, reported rib pain and was transported via ambulance to Compass Memorial Hospital, the report says. Fernadez Hidalgo rode in the ambulance with his wife.

BJ's towing pulled the power unit, owned by Penske Truck Leasing & Rental Co. of Reading, Pennsylvania, off the roadway at the request of law enforcement.

The trailer was left in the ditch for removal by the owner.