A semi pulling a refrigerated box trailer was damaged after its driver swerved to avoid hitting a deer and lost control resulting in the semi exiting the roadway and coming to rest across the southbound exit ramp on I-57 at Johnston City around 4:15 this morning.

Illinois State Police say the semi 47-year-old Kenneth R. Pierce of Hurricane Falls, Tennessee was driving then struck a large exit ramp sign causing damage to the cab and the fuel tank to the trailer’s refrigerator unit was damaged causing a small diesel fuel spill. The leak was quickly contained and cleaned up.

Pierce and his passenger, 68-year-old Frank W. Hembree of Cumberland City, Tennessee, were not injured.

Because of the semi’s position across the ramp, the southbound exit ramp to Johnston City Herrin Road was closed until 6 a.m. All lanes have since reopened to all traffic.

No charges were filed.