Semi Rolls Over Near Vantage Bridge Monday

A semi rollover off of eastbound I-90 just east of the Vantage bridge blocked traffic and sent the driver to the hospital Monday.

State Patrol trooper John Bryant says the accident occurred before sunrise, around 5:35 am.

"It's quite a bit of a right curve there that you've got to take if you want to get on to State Route 26. It's pretty well marked with the chevrons and everything." Bryant explained, "The semi driver took that curve way too fast, lost control, went through the guardrail, hits some posts and rolled over onto its side."

Exit 137 was temporarily closed so the semi, full of 80,000 pounds of tapioca starch, could be towed. The scene was cleared about 3 1/2 hours later.

The driver, 50-year-old Jeremy Baxley of Tacoma, was transported to Quincy Valley Medical Center for minor injuries and released. He was cited for negligent driving 2nd degree, a $553 fine.