8.6 C
New York

Tanker Truck Fire Shuts Down I-94 Over The Weekend

Published:

Eastbound I-94 from the Southfield Freeway to I-96 in Dearborn, Michigan, will be closed through the weekend as a result of a fiery tanker truck accident on Wednesday. Westbound lanes will be open, but Michigan transportation officials say that 150 feet of road will need to be replaced before the eastbound lanes are reopened.

No Major Injuries Reported

The accident, which happened around 11:15 a.m., sent flames hundreds of feet into the sky. It took firefighters around 2 hours to extinguish the flames after the accident. Only minor injuries were reported.

Michigan State Police have finished their investigation into the accident, which involved the truck and two cars, but have not yet determined which driver was at fault.

Far-Reaching Damages Suspected

HAZMAT crews cleaned up the scene of the accident on Wednesday, but officials are concerned that the extreme heat may have caused deeper structural damage. They are also concerned that nearby drainage systems may have been compromised by the accident. Environmental experts warn that the smoke from the fire is likely to contain particles that damage the lungs. The danger is greater for children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

The curve on I-94 where the accident took place is notorious as a frequent location for accidents because of narrow lanes and heavy congestion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXCUc8URVjw

Sources:
The Detroit News
The Detroit Free Press

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