SIDNEY - A semi-tractor-trailer rollover that briefly closed the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 east of Sidney early Thursday was likely caused by driver fatigue rather than wind, according to the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash was reported at 5:07 a.m. near mile marker 64, where the westbound semi left the roadway, entered the north ditch and rolled onto its right side. Emergency crews from the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office, Sidney Volunteer Fire Department and Little Tornado Towing responded. Westbound lanes were temporarily shut down while the truck and trailer were removed.

According to the accident report, the driver told deputies he had been pushed into the ditch by wind, describing it as a “little tornado.” A following truck driver told investigators wind was not an issue at the time, and weather data confirmed winds of only 4 to 7 mph out of the west-northwest.

Deputies said evidence at the scene did not support the driver’s explanation. Instead, investigators believe the driver may have fallen asleep, drifted into the ditch and then overcorrected, causing the semi and trailer to roll. Both were totaled.

The driver was not injured and exited the vehicle on his own. He arranged for his own tow, while Little Tornado Towing assisted in clearing the wreckage.

The sheriff’s office issued the driver a citation for failure to maintain lane and careless driving.