A fiery crash involving a semi-truck has caused significant disruption in Saskatoon's north end, leading to the closure of a major roadway. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, prompting police to issue an advisory at 7:31 a.m. regarding the crash at Circle Drive and Millar Avenue.
The collision, which involved a semi-truck, blocked the east and westbound lanes on Circle Drive. Images shared with Global News depicted the semi-truck engulfed in flames, a scene that was both dramatic and concerning. The fire was reported at 7:04 a.m. and was extinguished by 8:03 a.m., according to the City of Saskatoon.
The city's statement confirmed that the semi-truck and its trailer unit had struck a light standard, causing the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the truck's occupant was able to exit safely. Traffic was rerouted via Venture Crescent to bypass the incident and return to Circle Drive eastbound.
The City of Saskatoon provided an update just before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, announcing that the eastbound lanes of Circle Drive had reopened following the collision. However, crews spent the morning and early afternoon hours removing overhead signage and street light structures that were knocked down in the collision. The city emphasized its responsibility to fix the downed signage, which falls within its jurisdiction.
Sanding trucks were dispatched to the location, and drivers were advised to adjust their speed due to potential icy conditions on the roadway. Clair Andreas, who works at a gym across the street from the crash, recounted the experience. She heard the crash from the front desk, describing it as very loud with no smoke initially, but lots of sirens, lights, and noise.
Zach Robertson, Andreas' coworker, also witnessed the incident. He initially thought the scene was under control, with police and firefighters present. However, he was surprised by the sudden intensity of the flames, which grew to over 10 feet high in just 10 minutes. Robertson noted the chaotic atmosphere as gym-goers rushed to see the commotion, and he expressed concern for the truck driver's well-being, mentioning the strong smell of burning plastic.
