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High-dollar chopper damaged after truck driver misjudges Louisiana bridge’s height

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High-dollar chopper damaged after truck driver misjudges Louisiana bridge’s height
The driver of this 18-wheeler was cited for careless operation after the load became wedged under the Interstate 12 overpass on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Courtesy: WBRZ)

DENHAM SPRINGS, La. — Louisiana police cited a truck driver after his rig, which was hauling a multi-million-dollar helicopter, became struck underneath the Interstate 12 overpass on Friday, Sept. 22.

Police said the $30 million machine’s rotor collided with the interstate bridge’s support beam, causing an unknown amount of damage.

The bridge passes 15 feet above the roadway, according to signage north and south of the span. Technical specifications for the helicopter indicate its body is 15.5 feet tall, according to a report by WBRZ.

The Denham Springs Police Department said 56-year-old Miguel Rodriguez, who works for Texas-based trucking company International Machine Transport, was ticketed for careless operation.

The chopper, which resembled a Sikorsky S-92, was being transported from Georgia to Lafayette, officials said.

The Trucker News Staff

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The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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5 Comments

Louisiana doesn’t require escorts do these dimensions. However permits for that height are usually routed via us 190 in that area to avoid the bridges on I 12. This from one with over 40 years doing oversized .

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