Logging truck catches fire on Highway 63
A logging truck rolled over and caught fire Saturday just before 3:30 p.m. on Highway 63, near Breedlove Drive. The driver, 48-year-old Steve Schredder, was not injured.
Schredder said he was headed from Booneville to deliver lumber in Clark. He was driving northbound on Highway 63 about 15 miles north of Columbia when the accident occurred.
“I blew out a steering tire, and basically the whole hood disintegrated,” Schredder said. “I lost control and it began to fishtail.”
State Trooper Tony Helfrecht said the truck, which was carrying a load of logs, then crossed from the driving lane, slid across the passing lane, and hit a sign as it crossed from the shoulder of the road to the median. He said after leaving the roadway, the truck rolled onto the passenger side of the cab.
“It spilled diesel fuel everywhere and I heard it catch on fire,” Schredder said. “I knew I better get out of there pretty quick.”
Schredder climbed out of the driver-side window. He said he was wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident.
Schredder said the cab of the truck was completely destroyed. He said Boone County Fire Protection District firefighters were on the scene after about eight minutes, but the truck was already a complete loss when they arrived.
Schredder, who owned the truck, estimated the loss at $80,000.