Semi spills fuel, potatoes along I-70 in Saline County

Mashed potatoes anyone?

That was the scene in Saline County Tuesday morning after a semi carrying potatoes rolled on its side.

I happened on I-70 near Niles Road.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the semi driver hit the bridge rail that acts as a barrier to the pillar on the bridge overpass. The axles of truck and trailer separated. The semi skidded 100-200 feet, caught on fire, burned the ditch, and lost its load of potatoes

KHP says it will be a while before the highway reopens so crews can pick up the potatoes. The Kansas Department of Transportation says the clean-up will be costly.

"We don't want deer coming in and feeding on them, causing more accidents here. Just slow down. They have signs posted on the interstate. Just be sure to give the workers plenty of room," said Trooper Levi Fleming.

The semi driver was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the crash and fire. He was not hurt.

Traffic is being detoured to old Hwy 40, then back to I-70 at the Solomon exit (MM 266).