At approximately 4:45 am Saturday morning Central Dispatch received a call in reference to an accident near the West bound weigh scale station on I-30.

Corporal Justin Dean was dispatched to the scene of the accident awaiting the arrival of Arkansas State Police. Upon Dean’s arrival, he observed two semi eighteen wheelers in each west bound lane just East of the weigh scale station entrance. 

According to preliminary information, a white 2016 Freightliner was traveling West bound at a very slow speed in outside lane. A blue 2022 Peterbilt  was also traveling West bound in the outside lane. When the Peterbilt driver determined that the Freightliner was traveling at a slow rate of speed and he could not slow down fast enough, he struck the left rear of the Freightliners trailer.

The Freightliner was partially pushed to the right shoulder. After the Peterbilt struck the rear of the trailer he jackknifed and ended up in the center and left lane of the interstate. The Freightliner trailer received extensive damage to the rear cargo area and rear axles. The Peterbilt was a total loss, having the cab detach from the chassis. As well as the destruction of the tractor-trailer. The Peterbilt was hauling large recycled cardboard bundles. It is not known what the Freightliner was hauling. Both drivers suffered injuries but both were standing upon Officer Dean’s arrival.

Both occupants were transported to local hospitals by Pafford EMS. I-30 West bound was shut down for several hours. 

The accident is being investigated by the Arkansas State Police. Units from the Hope Police Department, Hempstead County Sheriff’s Department and the Guernsey Volunteer Fire Department were on scene to assist