Tanker Truck Explodes And Shuts Down A Section Of Michigan’s I-94
A tanker truck exploded causing havoc on an interstate highway in Michigan between Dearborn and Detroit. There are reports of flames shooting from the sewer. The tanker truck and a car collided causing the tanker to explode. The explosion resulted in Interstate 94 at Michigan Avenue being closed to traffic.
Lt. Doug Topolski of the Dearborn Police Department told The Detroit News, “We have gasoline and diesel fuel burning plus at least one explosion out of a sewer grate,” Topolski said. “It’s unknown at this point if there are any injuries, although we have a report that the driver of the car is complaining about shortness of breath.”
HAZMAT crews have been dispatched to the scene for cleanup, and the interstate has been closed in both directions due to the fire, billowing smoke, and hazardous materials. The crash occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. ET on March 11th, 2015.
It is unclear at this time how many additional vehicles have been involved in this crash; however it has been reported that at least one other car caught fire on the westbound side of the interstate. It has been confirmed by Lt. Michael Shaw of the Michigan State Police that the tanker truck was carrying a petroleum product. It appears that the petroleum product leaked into the sewer system and caught fire.
Marathon Refinery’s large expansion foam fire truck is assisting with extinguishing the flames. Until inspectors can check the infrastructure for weakness and problems caused by the intense heat and flames, the stretch of highway will remain closed to traffic.
