JEFFERSON COUNTY — A semi-crash on an icy bridge on Interstate 57 Saturday resulted in southbound traffic near Mt. Vernon being backed up for nearly three hours Saturday afternoon.

According to reports, the driver of the semi lost control of his rig, which jackknifed and struck one its fuel tanks on the bridge causing the tank to burst into flames and fuel to begin leaking into the creek below that feeds into Rend Lake.

The initial crash blocked both southbound lanes about 5 miles south of Mt. Vernon. About 3 hours after the crash, a tow truck was able to move the wrecked semi to allow one lane of southbound traffic to open up.

The wreckage was eventually removed completely and both lanes of traffic were opened up to regular travel.

The fuel leak resulted in state conservation and Environmental Protection Agency officials to respond and investigate possible damage from the spilled diesel fuel.