Tanker explodes on I-75; freeway closed

[fujiyama]

Source: Detroit News

Hazel Park -- A tanker has crashed and caught fire on Interstate 75, causing a portion of an overpass to collapse near Nine Mile, police said.

Officials are not yet clear how the tanker crashed, but there was "a large explosion" and fire reported, said Michigan State Police Lt. Shannon Sims.

A black smoke cloud could be seen as far away as Warren. Traffic was snarled in both directions on I-75.

No injuries were reported as of 9 p.m., Hazel Park police said. Their department was responding along with police and fire officials from Madison Heights, Royal Oak and Ferndale.

Madison Heights police said southbound and northbound I-75 was closed, and traffic was being redirected to Interstate 696 and major roads including 11, 12, 13 and 14 Mile.

Read more: http://detnews.com/article/20090715/METRO/907150436/Tanker-explodes-on-I-75--freeway-closed

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Damn saw a clip on TV. Looks like a mess.

[lindisfarne]

1. Detroit. One good thing about unemployment. Their roads are nearly empty. n/t

[JFN1]

2. Tanker fire in Hazel Park closes I-75; overpass collapses

Source: Detroit Free Press

I-75 was expected to be shut down indefinitely after a gasoline tanker exploded Wednesday night near 9 Mile, causing the collapse of the overpass on the northbound side.

As thick black smoke billowed from the scene and flames shot up 150 to 200 feet, traffic snarled on both sides. Authorities advised drivers to look for alternative routes this morning.

The shutdown is expected to cause massive headaches for people commuting to work.

It was not immediately clear how many vehicles were caught in the explosion. There were unconfirmed reports of at least one death.



Read more: http://www.freep.com/article/20090715/NEWS03/90715083/Tanker-fire-closes-I-75--overpass-collapses

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Not much news on how this happened yet...

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

3. Wow.

:wow: I'm glad it didn't happen during rush hour.

[Captain Hilts]

4. When this happened in DC at the 495/270 overpass with a fuel truck they sent foam trucks from Dulles

[Blue Diadem]

5. Last I heard it was still burning. Explosion happened about 8:15.

I thought maybe they'd send foam trucks from the detroit airport, but I haven't heard anything about that on any detroit stations.

[Captain Hilts]

7. Ours happened 5:30am. When they saw the overpass in danger they called the foam trucks from Dulles.

The overpass was damaged, but not destroyed thanks to the quick decision to call Dulles and their quick response.

[rocktivity]

8. Something like this happened in New Jersey, too

Wiped out the Route 10 overpass near Parsippany.

:headbang:
rocktivity

[sarcasmo]

6. Price of gas will go up in Michigan because of one tanker. Watch for the gougers.