SEMI DRIVER CHARGED AFTER WRONG-WAY INCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 61 NEAR TROY

TROY, Mo. — A semi-truck driver has been charged after traveling the wrong direction for miles on Highway 61 near Troy, Missouri, an incident that drew national attention after video of the dangerous maneuver spread widely online.

According to Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Wood, Abdiasis Ibrahim Ali of Minnesota has been charged with driving the wrong direction on a divided highway and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner. He was not taken into custody.

The incident unfolded Wednesday when a motorist called 911 while recording a semi traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 61. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded, and the truck eventually crossed the median and began traveling in the correct direction. No injuries were reported.

Troopers stopped the vehicle shortly afterward. Sgt. Dallas Thompson with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said Ali held a valid commercial driver’s license issued by Minnesota. However, during a roadside inspection, authorities determined he failed to meet required standards and was unable to pass an English proficiency test.

Troopers reported he could not read and comprehend road signs. Following the inspection, the driver was placed out of service.

A second driver traveling with Ali was required to complete the trip.

Taylor Trucking Lines, which owned the trailer being hauled, said Ali was not an employee or contractor of the company but instead worked as a contractor for Cargo

Transportation. Company officials said the driver was fired shortly after the video surfaced. Efforts to reach Cargo Transportation were unsuccessful.

The incident has since drawn national attention. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shared the video on social media, calling it disturbing. The report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be forwarded to federal authorities for further review.

Industry professionals say the situation raises broader safety concerns about driver training and oversight in the commercial trucking industry, particularly given the size and weight of semi-trucks traveling on major highways.

No crashes or injuries were reported as a result of the incident.