Semi-truck crash into Medicine Bow River leads to DUI arrest

RAWLINS (WNE) —  A semi-truck that crashed into the Medicine Bow River on Tuesday, Oct. 21, led to the arrest of the driver for allegedly driving under the influence.

At approximately 4:03 a.m. on Tuesday, the Wyoming Highway Patrol was alerted to a semi-truck that had just crashed into the Medicine Bow River at milepost 259 on I-80, just outside Elk Mountain.

The ensuing investigation found the semi-truck, which was hauling potatoes, had been eastbound when it crossed the median and crashed into the river.

A female passenger in the truck was taken by helicopter to a medical facility in Colorado. The driver of the truck, identified as Matthew Berggren, 40, of Idaho, was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence. Berggren is out on bond after an initial hearing.

The semi-truck and trailer were both pulled from the river.

The EPA has also cleared the scene at the river after the truck was removed.

Additionally, troopers learned that a cat had been in the semi-truck.

Employees with High Altitude Towing found the cat, which was not injured in the crash.

The cat has been placed at the Rawlins animal shelter.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol reminds everyone that driving under the influence puts everyone on the road in danger. Please call the Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately hotline at 800-4429090 to report suspected drunk drivers. Callers should be prepared to provide the dispatcher with a description of the vehicle, its location, and the direction of travel.

This story was published on Oct. 29, 2025.