Mackinac Bridge Semi Accident: Vehicle Topples Onto Railings in Strong Winds (VIDEO)
A dramatic Mackinac Bridge incident has seen a semi tip over on the bridge due to a gust of high wind on Thursday night.
According to reports, a tractor-trailer vehicle tipped on its side as it traveled across the Mackinac Bridge after 80 mph wind gusts hit.
The incident forced officials to close down the 5 mile long bridge for several hours as they tackled the dangerous situation.
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The vehicle was said to be carrying light cargo at the time, which allowed the strong gust push it over. Fortunately the accident didn't result in any injuries, according to Mackinac Bridge Authority executive secretary Bob Sweeney.
When it tipped over the vehicle hit one of the bridge's suspension cables and fell onto the outer railings, however, even though both were badly scratched, neither were damaged, officials described.
Officials have said that their usual procedures would be to provide escorts to semis, pick up trucks with campers and cars towing small boats or bikes in strong wind situations. If the winds are too strong they sometimes close the bridge to such vehicles altogether until conditions improve.
However, Sweeney has said that on Thursday "the winds moved in so quickly we didn't have time to get an escort set up" before the truck tipped just after 9 p.m. local time.
Officials also confirmed that the vehicle in question was traveling at just 20 mph, which is the regular speed for that size and type of vehicle on the bridge.
In the aftermath of the accident, a tow truck was used to drag the vehicle straight again and pull it off the bridge side.
It is believed this is the first case of a semi tipping over onto the railings since the bridge's opening in 1957.
Here is a video of a vehicle crossing the Mackinac Bridge:
