Semi strikes underpass in downtown Calgary, injuring driver and damaging cargo

A semi driver suffered minor injuries whilehauling a load that was slightly too tall for a downtown underpass Tuesday morning.

"He hit his chest on the steering wheel because the truck came to a sudden stop," said Calgary Fire Department spokeswoman Carol Henke.

Calgary firefighters responded to First Street S.E.beneath the CP Rail linesto find the vehicle wedged firmly against the ceiling of the underpass, which has a four-metre clearance.

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"Typically in these types of cases people call 911 and we respond,so the first concern is scene safety," Henke said.

"Then we do traffic control so that people are reroutedand the situationdoesn't get worse. We also call in any experts that are needed to assess structural issues with the bridge."

This stuck truck, like most vehicles in its predicament, had its tires deflated to lower its overall height before being dragged out by a tow truck.

Henke said it's up to motorists to recognize when an overhead hazard is too low.

"All drivers need to be aware of the height of their vehicle," she said."That's their responsibility."

Henkedidn't have specific data on hand but said, anecdotally, the fire department responds to incidents like this on a weekly basis.