Fuel truck accident near Merrill could have been much worse

MERRILL, Wis. (WSAU) - An accident involving a loaded fuel tank truck could have been much worse. Lincoln County deputies say the driver of the semi had stopped at the Highway Q exit on Highway 51 south of Merrill Saturday morning to perform a vehicle inspection, when the truck’s brake let loose.

The truck rolled down the ramp, through a fence, and into a cornfield at 3:30 a.m. The vehicle did not tip over and no fuel was spilled. The driver was able to get the truck part way out of the field, but needed a tow truck to finish getting back on the pavement.

The truck and trailer were damaged. There were no injuries.

Lincoln County deputies say it took about an hour and a half to clear the scene.