UPDATE 2:38PM: It’s been confirmed that the driver made it out unharmed. The evacuation notice has been lifted for nearby businesses.
Tanker truck driver is OK, per fire chief. "Luckiest man I know today, by far." He's w/a trucking company out of St. Louis, MI.
— Lori Dougovito (@LDougovitoWJRT) January 2, 2014
Evacuation order lifted after accident, hazardous material spill in Davison Township: The evacuation order iss… http://t.co/6RW8Erbizq
— ABC12WJRT (@ABC12WJRT) January 2, 2014
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UPDATE: According to a CDLLife reader who lives in the area, the best alternate routes are: Bristol Rd between M-15 (exit 145) & Dort Hwy or Center Rd ( exit 139) – Bristol is south of 69
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MICHIGAN: I-69 shut down in both directions (East & West).
M-15 access to I-69 and Irish Road are also closed at I-69.
According to MDOT a stretch of the interstate could be closed for up to 12 hours.
POSSIBLE ALTERNATE ROUTES: Bristol, Coldwater, & Carpenter Roads.
An explosive accident on Michigan’s I-69 (between Irish and Belsay roads) involving a tanker occurred around 11 a.m. today. The rig went over the guardrail of an overpass, crashed, and then exploded.
According to authorities, the truck was hauling hazardous materials. Unconfirmed reports have indicated that the material may have been hydrogen sulfide gas.
Unconfirmed reports have also indicated that the driver was able to escape the explosion safely.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area.
Rescue and HAZMAT crews are currently on the scene, and the fire is reported to be out.
Winds in the area have caused the evacuation of several businesses southwest of the scene including: Meijer’s and a 7-11 gas station. This order of evacuation is expected to be lifted as of 12:45 p.m. today. Nearby residents are urged to stay indoors.
Sources
ABC12
Click On Detroit
Mlive
NBC25
WNEM