Semi blocks State Road 46 overpass for hours

Traffic heading westbound out of downtown Columbus was delayed for hours on Wednesday after a semi hauling skids of bourbon overturned in the westbound lanes of the State Road 46 overpass, partially blocking the heavily-traveled road leading into Jonathan Moore Pike.

The accident was reported at about 11 a.m. Wednesday, with Columbus police and firefighters asking motorists to avoid the area. The semi driver was not injured in the accident, police said.

Additional problems occurred as the morning and early afternoon unfolded when motorists in the eastbound lanes and near the accident site attempted to photograph or look at the accident while driving their vehicles, resulting in several property-damage accidents that caused even more delays, Columbus police said.

By mid-afternoon, 31 Wrecker was working with first responders to off-load the bourbon from the semi, before removing the large vehicle from the overpass. But police and firefighters continued to warn that the road would be blocked for an undetermined amount of time before the wreckage was cleared.