Video: Big Rig Topples Over Bridge

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) –   Joe Sisk was nearing the end of his run from Tennessee to Shannon early Monday afternoon when he found himself in the middle of a strong storm.  

“A big gust of wind picked the trailer up and laid me over as pretty as you can please,” Sisk said. 

Within seconds, the massive , and nearly empty trailer was hanging over the southbound 45 bridge, its tail resting on the road below.  

Luckily, no other vehicles were hit when straight line winds blew the tractor trailer rig over. But the southbound lanes were blocked for about a quarter of a mile as crews worked to move the big rig. Also, motorists traveling on barnes crossing road were diverted around the bridge.  

Sisk drives for Shannon Steel and says he saw the dark clouds, then noticed the fierce winds.  

Did you know your trailer had been picked up while you were driving? “Yes, I felt it, looked back there and saw it coming around ,” he said.  

What was that like?

“It wasn’t that bad scary until it started going over the top of the bridge and that’s when I got nervous, it was just a soft landing,” Sisk recounted.

Police say strong winds can move large and heavy objects, like tractor trailer rigs. They also say drivers caught in straight line winds should be very careful.  

“Use your best judgment, and always slow down, especially in rain and wind, always slow down,” said CPL Philip Sanderson of the Tupelo Police Dept.  

Although Sisk was startled and shaken, he wasn’t hurt and for that he is grateful.  

“Of course, you always thank the Lord everyday,” he said.