Monday, March 16, 2015

150 GALLONS OF FUEL SPILL, CAR AND JACKKNIFED SEMI CRASH CAUSE I-275 CLOSURE IN LIVONIA, MICHIGAN.





MARCH 16, 2015

FARMINGTON, MI

A diesel fuel spill from a jackknifed semi-truck around 7:30 a.m. Monday shut down all four southbound lanes of I-275 in Livonia.

Crews were working to contain nearly 150 gallons of spilled fuel and expected to be on scene well past noon, Michigan Department of Transportation spokeswoman Diane Cross said.

The ramp from I-96 east to I-275 south was also closed to prevent further congestion.

A vehicle was "traveling too fast" while merging onto southbound I-275 from 7 Mile Road, said State Police Lt. Mike Shaw.

"They lost control of their vehicle, struck a box semi, at which time the side saddle fuel tanks burst," Shaw said. "The truck jackknifed."

Shaw’s advice to drivers?

“Slow down on that ramp, then ease yourself onto the freeway,” Shaw told WWJ’s Vickie Thomas. “Also, you gotta give these trucks some room. They cannot stop on a dime. If you kinda miss your exit, just go on to the next one so you’re not trying to cut these guys off.”

There were no life-threatening injuries reported. Shaw said the semi-truck has been cleared from the scene, but the fuel cleanup was ongoing.