MARCH 11, 2015
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN (WJBK)
Interstate-94 is closed in Dearborn around the Wyoming Exit
after a large fire caused by a tanker explosion.
The fire began around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday. Crews battled
the blaze for nearly two hours before the fire appeared to be
extinguished.
Chopper video showed several other vehicles to be involved
at the scene. At least one other vehicle was also seen on fire. The car
probably cut off the tanker truck, there was a collison and then the fire and
subsequent explosion of the tanker. If the drivers did not get out on time, then they would have been killed in this massive fire.
The fire also began to spread to the grass on the
embankment. Dearborn firefighters are also reporting the fire has also spread
to the sewer drains.
That stretch of I-94 is shut down right now. MDOT is also
asking that drivers traveling on eastbound I-94 to get off at Southfield, and
drivers traveling on westbound I-94 get off at I-96.
No word yet on what caused the tanker to explode. Lt.
Michael Shaw with the Michigan State Police tells FOX 2 a petroleum product was
on board. Therefore, fire crews can be seen on video using a foam to smother
the fire, instead of using water.
He says authorities are evaluating if this is a hazmat
situation that would require evacuations. No warning or evacuation has been
issued at this time.
Rob Morosi of MDOT tells FOX 2 it may be "several
days" before we know the entire impact of the fire. Officials estimate
that area of I-94 will be closed throughout the afternoon, and likely into the
evening rush hour.
The driver of the tanker is okay. Dearborn firefighters say
he was transported with minor injuries to a nearby hospital.
The condition of the other drivers is now known at this
time, although we're told there are no fatalities.
Source: www.myfoxdetroit.com