Elk Mountain, WY – A semi-truck hauling potatoes crashed into the Medicine Bow River early Monday morning, prompting a major emergency response and a DUI arrest, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Authorities said the crash occurred around 4:03 a.m. on October 21 at milepost 228 on Interstate 80, just outside Elk Mountain. Investigators determined the eastbound semi crossed the median before plunging into the river.
According to troopers, the driver — Matthew Berggren, 40, of Idaho — was arrested for driving under the influence and later released on bond after an initial hearing. A female passenger was airlifted by helicopter to a Colorado medical facility for treatment.
Both the truck and trailer were recovered from the river later that day, and the EPA cleared the scene once removal operations were complete.
In a lighter note, troopers discovered that a cat had been traveling with the driver and passenger. Employees with High Altitude Towing safely rescued the cat, which was uninjured, and it has since been placed at the Rawlins animal shelter.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol reminded motorists to drive sober, emphasizing that even early-morning travel requires full attention and responsibility behind the wheel.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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