Semi Runs Off I-57, Gets Stuck in Trees in West Frankfort

No injuries reported as crews work to remove the stranded vehicle.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A semi-truck hauling a trailer ran off northbound I-57 in West Frankfort, Illinois and became stuck in the tree line just before 6 a.m. on Saturday, according to Illinois State Police. No injuries were reported, and first responders were on the scene for several hours working to remove the stranded vehicle.

Why it matters

Incidents like this can cause major traffic disruptions and delays on busy interstates like I-57, which is a critical transportation artery in southern Illinois. Ensuring the safe and efficient removal of stranded vehicles is important for maintaining the flow of commerce and travel in the region.

The details

The semi-truck ran off the northbound lanes of I-57 and became lodged in the tree line near West Frankfort. First responders were called to the scene around 6 a.m. and spent several hours working to extract the vehicle and clear the area.

  • The incident occurred just before 6 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Illinois State Police

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is investigating the cause.

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The takeaway

While the details of this specific incident are still emerging, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the need for efficient emergency response to keep major transportation routes clear and operational.