A fiery crash involving a semi-truck has caused significant disruption on Circle Drive in Saskatoon's north end. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, prompting police to issue an advisory at 7:31 a.m. about the crash at Circle Drive and Millar Avenue. The collision, which involved a semi-truck, blocked the east and westbound lanes, with the truck engulfed in flames as seen in pictures shared with Global News. Police advised drivers to take alternate routes until the scene was cleared.
The City of Saskatoon's fire department was called to the scene at 7:04 a.m. and successfully extinguished the fire by 8:03 a.m. 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.
The city provided an update around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, confirming that the eastbound lanes of Circle Drive had reopened following the collision. Crews spent the morning and early afternoon hours removing downed street light structures and overhead signage, which is the city's responsibility as it falls within its jurisdiction. Sanding trucks were sent to the location to address potential icy conditions on the road.
Witnesses, including Clair Andreas and Zach Robertson, described the incident. Andreas, who works at a nearby gym, heard the crash from the front desk and recalled the loud noises and sirens. Robertson, another gym employee, initially thought the scene was under control but was shocked by the sudden intensity of the flames, which grew to over 10 feet high in just 10 minutes. The smell of burning plastic filled the air, and he expressed hope for the driver's well-being.
This incident highlights the potential risks associated with semi-truck accidents and the importance of prompt response and management by emergency services. The city's efficient handling of the situation, including the quick fire suppression and traffic rerouting, demonstrates the importance of preparedness and coordination in emergency response.
